On Monday, 21 April, 2025, the world mourned the death of Pope Francis, shocked by the demise of the beloved pontiff who, just a day earlier, had mingled with the crowd in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.

Barely a few hours later, Malta lost one of its sons too, Francis Zammit Dimech, who for decades served the country in various roles, earning the respect not only of Nationalist Party supporters, but also of his political adversaries.

Both shared the name Francis and dedicated their lives to being of service to the community, in different ways, but with similar commitment.

The first became the first pontiff from South America, and sought to regroup the Church under shock following the resignation of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, the first to give up the seat in more than 600 years.

The second served as a Maltese Member of Parliament for over 25 years, and then went on to become a Member of the European Parliament before, in the last months of his life, also serving as Acting President of the Republic.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, ascended to the papacy in 2013, becoming the first Latin American, Jesuit, and non-European pope in over a millennium. His papacy was marked by a profound commitment to humility, social justice, and outreach to the marginalised. He chose the name Francis in honour of St Francis of Assisi, reflecting his dedication to the poor and environmental stewardship.​

From his first greeting as pope - a remarkably normal "Buonasera" ("Good evening") - to his embrace of refugees and the downtrodden, Pope Francis signalled a very different tone for the papacy, stressing meekness rather than pride for a Catholic Church rocked by sex abuse scandals and accusations of being too distant from the populace, including believers. ​

Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis advocated for refugees, LGBTQ+ rights, and more economic balance, using the Covid pandemic which struck during his papacy to urge world leaders to come up with new strategies that would bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. He famously remarked, "Who am I to judge?" when asked about gay priests, showing a more inclusive approach within the Church. His efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy and promote interfaith dialogue were pivotal in modernising the Church's approach to contemporary issues.​ His liberal approach was criticised by conservatives, but endeared him to pockets of society which were on the fringes.

Despite health challenges, including a recent battle with double pneumonia, Pope Francis remained active in his duties until his passing at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. His final public appearance was delivering the Easter Sunday blessing to the faithful in St Peter's Square. ​He wanted to be among his people even though his frailty was all too evident.

In his final testament, Pope Francis requested a simple burial "in the ground, without particular decoration," marked only by his papal name in Latin, "Franciscus." Notably, he rejected the customary triple-coffin burial and opted for his body to lie in a plain coffin rather than an elevated bier. He chose to be buried in Rome's St Mary Major Basilica, a location not used for papal burials since the 17th century, instead of within the Vatican.

Hours after the news of Pope Francis' death had reached all over the world, here in Malta the death of former Nationalist Party Member of Parliament Francis Zammit Dimech was announced, bringing with it multiple expressions of sorrow from both sides of the political spectrum.  

Zammit Dimech was renowned for his unwavering commitment to public service, representing Malta both nationally and in European forums.​

It was easy to expect tributes from the Nationalist side of the political fence, as Francis had served the party for decades in various roles, apart from those he also occupied in Cabinets led by Eddie Fenech Adami and Lawrence Gonzi. But condolences also flowed in from the Labour end of national politics, as some of his adversaries recognised his commitment and, most of all, his capability to present arguments while showing utmost respect to others who did not agree with him.

Pope Francis's papacy was characterised by efforts to modernise the Catholic Church, emphasising mercy, inclusivity, and social justice. Similarly, Francis Zammit Dimech's political career was marked by integrity and a steadfast commitment to Malta's democracy.

Their shared name, Francis, symbolises their common dedication to serving others and making a positive impact on the world. In a time when leadership is often scrutinised, the lives of these two men serve as reminders of the enduring importance of being there for the service of others.

The passing of Pope Francis and Francis Zammit Dimech on the same day is a poignant reminder of the qualities that the world desperately needs in its leaders. Their lives were dedicated to serving others with integrity, compassion, and humility. As we mourn their loss, we are also reminded of the enduring importance of these values in shaping a better world.

The world indeed needs more men like Francis and Francis.