Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, paid heartfelt tribute to the late Pope Francis during a commemorative ceremony at the UN headquarters in New York, recalling how his message of fraternity and peace resonated across nations.

Reflecting on the solemn gathering where all member states stood in unity, Archbishop Caccia described a deeply emotional atmosphere as the international community mourned a leader revered far beyond the Catholic Church. UN Secretary-General António Guterres honored Pope Francis as “a voice of peace in a world of war,” recognizing his global impact.

Throughout the UN offices worldwide, flags were flown at half-mast in a shared gesture of respect and mourning. Archbishop Caccia highlighted how Pope Francis, through his consistent call for human solidarity—as captured in his encyclical Fratelli tutti—left a profound impression that transcended borders, cultures, and faiths.

“He was seen as a father figure,” Caccia noted, “not only to Catholics, but to all people—regardless of religion or background.” The Archbishop emphasized that this rare moment of unity, visible both at the United Nations and during the funeral in Rome, embodied the late Pope’s vision of universal brotherhood. “In that unity, we saw Fratelli tutti come to life,” he said.