PM’s Tribute to Pope Francis: ‘My Hero and a Beacon of Global Moral Leadership’

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has joined world leaders in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, calling him “a beacon of global moral strategic leadership” and revealing that his writings provided her strength during some of Barbados’ most trying times.

In a tribute issued after the pontiff’s passing on Monday, Mottley reflected on the influence Pope Francis had on her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I confess that it was Pope Francis’ writings and teachings that guided and inspired me through the dark and desolate days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as I worked with others to lead Barbados through that period of grave uncertainty,” the prime minister said. “He was, in every sense, my hero.”

Mottley recalled her encounter with the Pope late last year, describing it as a humbling experience.

“He reinforced in me the importance of always aligning our hearts, our heads, and our hands with our faith – to see, hear, and feel all people, so that we may help them, and to protect our planet,” she said.

“Let us, each and every day, see, hear, and feel people—to fight the globalisation of indifference. In so doing, we will walk the road he paved tirelessly to the very end of his life. If we dare to live with heart, to serve with courage, humility, and to love without borders—then Pope Francis still walks among us,” the Barbadian leader added.