Pope Francis was a radiant witness to compassion, humility, and steadfast solidarity with the most vulnerable. His pontificate illuminated the path toward a Church more merciful and inclusive—one that reached beyond walls and traditions to embrace the forgotten, the excluded, and those on the peripheries of society.

He spoke with rare clarity on the pressing moral imperatives of our age: care for creation, justice for the poor, and the inherent dignity of every human life. His call resounded across confessional boundaries, summoning the world to a deeper sense of responsibility and grace.
EKV Vice President for Finances Fabio Nespolo who had the distinct honor of meeting His Holiness in 2022, recalls that encounter as a cherished spiritual milestone. „That meeting left a lasting imprint on my heart and mind,“ he reflected. „Pope Francis embodied a Christianity that was both deeply human and spiritually courageous.“
In this time of collective mourning, the EKV extends our deepest condolences to our Catholic members and to Catholics around the world. We stand united with the global Church in prayer and remembrance. We give thanks for the life and witness of Pope Francis—pastor, peacemaker, and servant of humanity.
Europäischer Kartellverband