Voto Latino Honors the Legacy of Pope Francis: A Champion for Immigrants and Social Justice

Washington, DC  – Voto Latino mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was a powerful advocate for immigrants and refugees, embodying the values of compassion, justice, and solidarity.​

In 2018, during   President Donald Trump’s first term, Pope Francis visited the U.S.-Mexico border, where he prayed for migrants and condemned the separation of families as “immoral” and contrary to Catholic values . His actions and words consistently challenged policies that dehumanized vulnerable communities.​

In a 2024 address, Pope Francis stated, “There are those who systematically work by all means to drive away migrants, and this, when done knowingly and deliberately, is a grave sin.” He emphasized the need for “safe and legal avenues for migrants” and called for a “global governance of migration based on justice, fraternity, and solidarity.”

Pope Francis inspired change within the church through his stances on various issues. Pope Francis was outspoken on the current climate crisis that we are facing—stating that “there is a need to act with urgency, compassion, and determination.”

During his papacy, Pope Francis allowed for open discussion of the LGBTQ+ community within the church, marking a stark contrast from his predecessors. In 2013, when speaking on the LGBTQ+ community, Pope Francis stated “Who am I to judge?” Pope Francis had called laws criminalizing same-sex relationships unjust, and expanded the church’s acceptance of transgender individuals. 

Pope Francis’s legacy is a testament to the power of empathy and moral courage. His unwavering commitment to the dignity of every person continues to inspire and challenge us to build a more just and compassionate world.