Pope Francis and the sustainable development goals: A comprehensive legacy of action and advocacy

Following his recent passing, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, leaves behind a transformative legacy as one of the most influential and morally courageous pontiffs in modern history. A Jesuit priest with humble beginnings, Francis rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to become Archbishop of Buenos Aires and later Cardinal, known for his deep pastoral connection to the poor and his outspoken criticism of inequality in his native Latin America. In 2013, he became the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and the first-ever pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit, and the first to take the name Francis a symbolic tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi, patron of the environment and the poor.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis emerged as a global moral authority, reshaping the papacy through his emphasis on compassion, inclusivity, interreligious dialogue, and care for our common home. His leadership extended far beyond ecclesiastical borders, influencing debates on social justice, economic inequality, climate change, migration, conflict, and humanitarian response. In doing so, he firmly aligned the Vatican’s global mission with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a set of seventeen interlinked goals designed to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainability for all by 2030.

With consistent clarity and humility, Francis used both his spiritual authority and global visibility to advocate for the dignity of every human person, solidarity with the vulnerable, and the urgent need for ecological conversion. From high-level diplomatic engagements to grassroots encounters, he forged meaningful alliances with non-governmental organisations, social movements, and interfaith networks. His papacy bridged moral theology with international policy, positioning the Church as an active agent for sustainable human development and global peace.

As the world reflects on his passing, Pope Francis’s legacy endures as a prophetic voice for a just and compassionate global future one guided not by power, profit, or exclusion, but by human dignity, dialogue, and care for the Earth.

Alignment with the sustainable development goals

SDG 1: No poverty

Pope Francis has forcefully denounced the global economic system that marginalises the poor. His encyclical Fratelli Tutti calls for structural changes, equitable redistribution, and solidarity with the underprivileged. He has backed initiatives such as the World Meeting of Popular Movements, amplifying the voices of informal workers and impoverished communities.

SDG 2: Zero hunger

Francis promotes food justice and sovereignty, supporting initiatives that empower local agriculture. Catholic organisations like Caritas Internationalis have implemented hunger relief programmes globally under his encouragement, focusing on equitable access to food and sustainable farming.

SDG 3: Good health and well-being

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis was a key voice advocating for universal vaccine access, labelling healthcare as a "moral obligation". He criticised vaccine nationalism and championed healthcare systems that prioritise people over profit, encouraging collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies.

SDG 4: Quality education

The Vatican launched the Global Compact on Education, urging a human-centred model of learning that fosters solidarity, peace, and ecological consciousness. Francis has collaborated with educational NGOs and international institutions to reform curricula and promote access, particularly in marginalised communities.

SDG 5: Gender equality

While upholding traditional Church teachings, Francis has addressed violence against women, human trafficking, and gender-based discrimination. He has appointed women to high-level roles in the Vatican and publicly recognised the essential role of women in Church life and global leadership.

SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation

Pope Francis has described water as a fundamental human right, criticising water privatisation and pollution. His encyclical Laudato Si' calls for policy action to ensure universal access to safe and clean water, especially in rural and indigenous communities.

SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

The Vatican, under Francis, became one of the first carbon-neutral states, installing solar panels and transitioning to renewable energy. He has supported climate action efforts focused on reducing reliance on fossil fuels, appealing to governments to meet their Paris Agreement commitments.

SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

Francis has been an outspoken critic of exploitative labour practices. He frequently urges dignified employment for migrants, youth, and informal workers. His partnership with popular movements highlights economic models that respect workers’ rights and the environment.

SDG 10: Reduced inequalities

Francis’s global platform has amplified the struggles of migrants, indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, and the displaced. His work on behalf of Gaza, Rohingya, and African refugees is representative of his vision for an inclusive and equitable world order.

SDG 13: Climate action

His landmark encyclical Laudato Si’ remains one of the most important moral texts on climate change. Francis urged the global community to undertake rapid decarbonisation, echoing the scientific consensus. He was pivotal in mobilising moral support for the Paris Agreement and has fostered the Laudato Si’ Movement, which partners with environmental NGOs worldwide.

SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

The Pope has served as a mediator in various conflicts, notably in Colombia and South Sudan. He advocates for multilateralism, condemns authoritarian populism, and calls for transparency and accountability in global and ecclesiastical institutions.

Active humanitarian engagement in Gaza and Myanmar

Advocacy in Gaza

Pope Francis has been notably vocal regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, he has made repeated calls for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the establishment of humanitarian corridors. Condemning the “absurdity of war” and the tragic loss of innocent lives, Francis has stated, "Every human being, whether Israeli or Palestinian, has a name, a face, a story, and a right to live in peace."

Even while hospitalised, he maintained communication with Christian communities in Gaza, including a direct call to Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of the Holy Family parish. His strong stance on disarmament and criticism of the global arms trade reflect his call to redirect resources towards social development, resonating with SDGs 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and 1 (No Poverty).

The Rohingya crisis in Myanmar

Pope Francis has also been an ardent defender of the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar, victims of violent persecution and forced displacement. In 2017, he conducted a delicate diplomatic visit to Myanmar, where he urged for peace and reconciliation without initially using the term “Rohingya” to avoid exacerbating tensions. However, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, he met with Rohingya refugees and openly acknowledged their suffering, apologising on behalf of humanity.He has consistently urged world leaders to act, aligning this advocacy with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16, denouncing ethnic cleansing and promoting the rights of displaced peoples.

Partnerships with NGOs and global movements

Pope Francis has cultivated strong ties with non-governmental organisations, interfaith leaders, and grassroots coalitions. He has welcomed delegations from Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and indigenous networks to the Vatican. Through the World Meeting of Popular Movements, held in Bolivia, Rome, and Argentina, he has supported community leaders fighting for land, housing, and work.

Notable partnerships include:

Scholas Occurrentes: A papal initiative fostering educational projects among youth in over 190 countries.
Caritas Internationalis: Working with local NGOs to provide emergency aid and development programmes.
Visits to field projects and conflict zones, including:
- Lampedusa (Italy): to commemorate drowned migrants.
- Bangui (Central African Republic): launching the Jubilee Year of Mercy from a war zone.
- Lesbos (Greece): where he took 12 Muslim refugees back to Rome with him.

Critical perspectives

While Pope Francis has been praised for his global outreach and progressive rhetoric, certain criticisms remain:

Limited structural reform within the Roman Curia, particularly concerning financial transparency.
Ambiguity or restraint in advancing issues like women’s ordination and LGBTQ+ inclusion, which some consider inconsistencies in his vision of equality.
Recent controversy arose from the Vatican’s use of a biblical passage related to Gaza, which some critics interpreted as containing antisemitic undertones. The Vatican has denied such interpretations but the incident highlighted challenges in diplomatic communication amid complex conflicts.

Pope Francis’s papacy represents a profound alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and a redefinition of the Church's global role in the 21st century. From Gaza to Myanmar, from climate summits to refugee camps, he has consistently lifted up the voices of the oppressed, challenged systems of exclusion, and urged humanity towards an ethical, sustainable future. His legacy will remain a point of reference for global justice movements and multilateral institutions for years to come.