Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis is the 266th head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State.
He declined the use of customary papal mozzetta cape upon his election and preferred his piscatory ring to be silver rather than gold. These actions have proved his persona of a simple clergyman serving for the faith and people and not for power nor fame.
He also opposes overdevelopment, consumerism, and promotes actions on climate change. Throughout his life, Pope Francis has been regarded for his modesty, humility, concern for the poor, and emphasis on God’s mercy.
The Pope has openly spoken about various issues that are very close to his heart. His thoughts, speeches, sayings, and quotes encapsulate most of the dilemmas that he wants to work on.
If you’re looking for words that uplift, challenge, and comfort, here are some of Pope Francis’ most powerful and inspiring quotes to reflect on.
Fun fact: He’s the first Jesuit Pope and the first from the Americas!
Table of Contents
- Pope Francis Quotes on Compassion & Mercy
- Pope Francis Quotes on Hope & Faith
- Pope Francis Quotes on Justice & the Poor
- Pope Francis Quotes on Peace & Unity
- Pope Francis Quotes on The Environment
- Pope Francis Quotes on Leadership & Service
- Pope Francis Quotes on Family & Love
- Pope Francis’ Call to Love and Justice
Pope Francis Quotes on Compassion & Mercy
Pope Francis is known for his emphasis on mercy and the need to care for others with compassion. These quotes remind us to treat every person with kindness and understanding.
A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.
— Homily, March 17, 2013
Let us learn to live with kindness, to love everyone, even when they do not love us.
— General Audience, March 27, 2013
God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.
— Angelus, March 17, 2013
These words call us to be bridges of compassion, echoing one of Pope Francis’s central messages: mercy is at the heart of the Gospel.
Pope Francis Quotes on Hope & Faith
Hope is a recurring theme in Pope Francis’s papacy, encouraging believers and seekers to hold on to faith, even in dark times.
Do not let yourselves be robbed of hope.
— Homily, St. Peter’s Square, March 24, 2013
Let us never lose hope! God loves us always, even with our mistakes and sins.
— General Audience, June 19, 2013
These quotes are reminders to keep faith and never give up hope—no matter the circumstances.
Pope Francis Quotes on Justice & the Poor
Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken out for justice, especially for the marginalized and the poor.
How I would like a church that is poor and for the poor.
— First Audience, March 16, 2013
Poverty calls us to sow hope… Poverty is the flesh of the poor Jesus, in that child who is hungry, in the one who is sick, in those unjust social structures.
— Homily, October 4, 2013
His commitment to justice invites us to see and serve Christ in the faces of those most in need.
Pope Francis Quotes on Peace & Unity
As a peacemaker, Pope Francis consistently urges people and nations toward reconciliation and unity.
Building peace is difficult, but living without peace is a constant torment.
— Address, September 1, 2013
Peace is a gift of God, but requires our efforts. Let us be people of peace!
— Tweet, September 1, 2013
His words inspire efforts toward harmony—in families, communities, and across the world.
Pope Francis Quotes on The Environment
Pope Francis is a passionate advocate for protecting the earth. His encyclical “Laudato Si’” remains a major influence in global environmental dialogue.
The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth.
— Laudato Si’, 2015
Let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.
— Homily, March 19, 2013
These messages urge responsibility for the planet and each other.
Pope Francis Quotes on Leadership & Service
For Pope Francis, true leadership is rooted in service and humility.
True power is service. The Pope must serve all people, especially the poor, the weak, the vulnerable.
— Inaugural Mass, March 19, 2013
The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to seek humility, service and love.
— World Youth Day, July 2013
These words remind leaders at all levels that greatness is found in humble service.
Pope Francis Quotes on Family & Love
Pope Francis frequently speaks about the importance of family, love, and human relationships.
The family is the foundation of co-existence and a remedy against social fragmentation.
— Address, October 25, 2014
Love is the measure of faith.
— General Audience, October 23, 2013
His reflections guide us in building loving, supportive families and communities.
Pope Francis’ Call to Love and Justice
The quotes of Pope Francis offer hope, challenge, and direction in a world searching for meaning and compassion.
His teachings invite us to love more deeply, seek justice, serve others, and cherish the earth. May his words continue to inspire us toward a life of greater mercy, hope, and courage.
