Club de Madrid deeply mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis—a towering moral authority and unwavering advocate for peace, solidarity, and the dignity of every human being. His legacy is one of profound humility and humanity, marked and guided by an unshakable commitment to justice and compassion for the most vulnerable.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis reminded the world that true strength lies in compassion and that dialogue has the power to bridge even the deepest divides. He led with empathy and conviction, inspiring not only the faithful but also leaders, institutions, and communities working toward more inclusive and democratic societies.
His relentless efforts to foster reconciliation, uplift the poor and the marginalized, and confront global challenges—from social inequality to the climate crisis—offered a vision of leadership grounded in service and moral responsibility. His words and actions challenged indifference and sparked engagement, reminding us that unity and solidarity are not relics of the past, but essential pillars for our shared future.
As a forum of democratic former Presidents and Prime Ministers committed to promoting democratic values and responsible leadership, Club de Madrid recognized in Pope Francis a kindred spirit. His mission reflected the very principles we uphold: respect for human rights, social justice, sustainable development and the pursuit of peace through dialogue.
In this moment of collective mourning, we extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See and to all those mourning his loss. May his enduring example continue to inspire those who lead and serve in the pursuit of a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.
