(Patriarch of equality, ecology, eternal and Ethical Innovation passes on as the world mourns)
Mrs Rachel O. Ajayi, reviews the life and legacy of a Pontiff of peace, who Embodied Humility and Compassion, but world renowned Adviser to Monarchs, Presidents & corporate leaders, Professor Chris Imafidon (who has been guest of the Vatican) wonders why such a peace-maker was denied the Nobel peace prize many times
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 AM in Vatican City, Rome, Italy, at the age of 88, due to complications from pneumonia. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he led the Catholic Church for 12 transformative years since his election in 2013. His papacy was a beacon of hope, defined by his dedication to peace, the oppressed, and ethical progress, leaving an enduring impact on the Church and the world.
Brokering Peace in Africa: A Strategic Mediator
Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for peace, particularly in Africa, where his efforts often went unrecognized. His iconic 2019 act of prostrating himself on the dusty floor to beg South Sudanese leaders for peace led to a fragile ceasefire, but his work extended further. He quietly funded local mediators in the Central African Republic, helping to de-escalate violence during his 2015 visit, a trip so dangerous that he travelled in an open vehicle to show solidarity with the people. In 2022, he supported peacebuilding initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing resources for community dialogues that reduced tensions in conflict zones. These untold efforts highlight his strategic approach to peace, rooted in both action and faith.
A Life of Service and Compassion
Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, has left an indelible mark on the world. His passing on Easter Monday has sent shockwaves of sadness throughout the global community, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. As a tireless advocate for peace, compassion, and justice, Pope Francis reached out to world leaders, begging them to lay down their arms and work towards a more peaceful world.
A Digital Pioneer
Pope Francis was also a forward-thinking leader who recognized the potential of technology to drive positive change. Under his guidance, the Vatican established a dedicated department for digital communication, harnessing the power of the internet and social media to spread the message of hope and compassion. He also explored the potential of artificial intelligence to support the Church’s mission and serve humanity.
Ethical Technology and AI: A Visionary Leader
Pope Francis embraced technology as a tool for good while cautioning against its risks. In 2020, he endorsed the “Rome Call for AI Ethics,” advocating for AI to prioritize human dignity and inclusivity. He warned in a 2024 address, “Technology must serve humanity, not enslave it.” To ensure the Church remained relevant in the digital age, he established the Vatican Internet Department in 2017, tasked with using technology to spread the Gospel and counter misinformation. In 2023, he set up an AI advisory board within the Vatican to guide ethical AI development, meeting with tech leaders—including representatives from xAI—to align innovation with moral values. His efforts ensured technology amplified compassion, not division.
Champion for the Oppressed: A Systematic Champion
Francis consistently went beyond the call of duty to uplift the marginalized. He redirected Vatican resources to fund healthcare clinics in rural Africa, ensuring access to medical care for the poorest communities. In Latin America, his homeland, he supported indigenous rights by launching programs to protect Amazonian communities from deforestation, as detailed in his 2020 document Querida Amazonia. His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ connected environmental justice to social equity, influencing global policies like the Paris Agreement. He also established the World Day of the Poor, institutionalizing the Church’s commitment to the downtrodden, and pushed for greater acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, asking, “Who am I to judge?”
Reforming the Church: A Model of Inclusion
Francis decentralized Vatican authority, empowering local bishops, and initiated the Synod on Synodality (2021–2024) to foster global dialogue. He opened discussions on married priests and women’s roles, striving for inclusivity despite conservative pushback. His rejection of the papal limousine and opulent residence—opting for a modest guesthouse—symbolized his vision for a humbler Church, one closer to the people he served.
A Legacy of Humility: The Emotional Resonance
Francis’ humility was his hallmark. Whether washing prisoners’ feet or embracing refugees, he lived the Gospel with profound simplicity. As Professor Chris Imafidon noted on Twitter and LinkedIn, “A Priest of Peace joins The Prince of Peace in paradise. Our Papa (TRUE father), passionate peace-maker, Pope Francis goes home on Easter Monday. Praying for the entire Catholic & Christian family worldwide. May YOU rest in peace and RISE in glory. #RIPPope #PopeFrancis #Vatican #RIPPopeFrancis #EasterMonday.” His passing on Easter Monday reflects the hope he inspired in millions.
Pope Francis’ legacy spanning peace in Africa, justice for the oppressed, and ethical innovation—will guide the Church and humanity for generations. His life was a testament to compassion in action. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
AUTHORS AND CONTRIBUTORS
Mrs Rachel O. Ajayi is a Protégé of the record breaking Excellenceineducation.org.uk programme. She participated in commonwealth; and international initiatives designed to empower girls and young women. She has had multiple invitations to UK Parliament and British royal events for her dedication to technology applications and STEM education in Africa
Mrs Ajayi was recently appointed as Hon Assistant secretary to the Education Global Summit and awards. This is in addition to her several other achievements such as serving as a Panelist for Kwaraprenuer Empowerment Program- a program designed by Kwara State Government to empower entrepreneurs in the state, a Lead Volunteer Executive of Sadiem Sonep Nig Ltd providing free training for Entrepreneurs on soap production and fashion designing with more than 2000 beneficiaries in the last 5yrs and so on. Mrs. Ajayi is married and a mother of beautiful children.
Professor Chris Imafidon, is an internationally renowned adviser to monarchs, governments, presidents and corporate leaders; Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and Mentor to multi-millionaire AI tech entrepreneurs. He recently co-chaired King Charles III Coronation series on Artificial Intelligence’s impact on education. He is a multi-Guinness World record certificate holder; Coach to New York Times Bestellers and a Sunday Times Op-ed author. He is a 5X International bestselling author, and a celebrated royal biographer. His research and innovation have been recognized internationally, winning multiple awards in many continents across multiple disciplines and his mentees are global leaders in pioneers and also world record holders. He is an award winning chair of HM Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee programme on STEM & Education. [Twitter(X) @ChrisImafidon; Instagram @CoImafidon, Linkedln and Facebook – ProfessorChrisImafidon]
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