Pope Francis’ legacy of peace

As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the Filipino people remember and celebrate his teachings, which highlighted the importance of peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding.

- PEACE BY PEACE SECRETARY CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR.

If there is one religious leader who has made a profound and long-lasting impact on peacebuilding efforts across the globe, it would be the late pontiff who underscored the urgency of ending all wars and bringing a “just and lasting peace” for all.

This was his clarion call for nations — especially those in the midst of armed conflict — to break down the walls of anger, fear, and mistrust, and replace them with bridges of kindness, empathy, and forgiveness.

This is the message that Pope Francis brought with him when he came to the Philippines in 2015, only a year after the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

His visit marked a major turning point in the Bangsamoro peace process. He emphasized not only the need for mercy and compassion, but also of justice, inclusion, and healing -- the core values which underpin the landmark peace deal.

He expressed hope that “progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities.”

The Pope’s words became a source of strength and inspiration for the government and Moro leaders as we pushed forward and built on the gains of the peace process in the Bangsamoro over the years.