Statesmanship in a Turbulent World: Remembering Pope Francis and the Quest for Justice, Peace and Humanity

Following the recent passing of Pope Francis, the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia hosted a special edition of their Global Town Hall Series in collaboration with 1000 Abrahamic Circles Project, to honour the late Pope Francis’ legacy.

The discussion delved into the remarkable global legacy of Pope Francis—his role as a moral diplomat, peace advocate, and interfaith bridge-builder. From facilitating U.S.–Cuba rapprochement and forging historic ties with China to his tireless defence of the oppressed in Gaza, Ukraine, and South Sudan, Pope Francis used his moral authority to speak truth to power and extend compassion to the most vulnerable. The conversation also explored his major initiatives, including the Document on Human Fraternity, his calls for climate justice through Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum, and his vision of a Church that embraces the world in all its diversity.

Keynote Speaker H.E José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste, and Moderator, Dr Dino Patti Djalal, Founder and Chairman of FPCI were joined by a group of distinguished global leaders. The Foundation’s Secretary General, Mr Steve Howard, participated as a speaker in the discussion, noting Francis’ global impact and inspiration.

As mentioned by Steve Howard, the late Pope Francis helped shape a key theme of the Foundation, ‘cooperative globalisation‘, with four principles that it must be fair inclusive transformative and prosperous.

View the full recording of the discussion below.

We recently published a reflection on the relationship between the late Pope Francis and the Foundation, which can be read here.