The initiative “A tree for Francis” It has been a true breath of life for the Earth and for the hearts of those who believe in the legacy of love, justice and hope that Pope Francis left the world.
The past April 26, communities, parishes, schools, families, missionary groups and lay movements around the world responded to the call to plant a tree in memory of the Pope. Through small and meaningful gestures—a seed, a sprout, a prayer—thousands of people honored the life and teaching of someone who reminded us that Taking care of the Common Home is a deeply spiritual act.
From different corners of the world, social networks were filled with images and testimonies full of life: children’s hands planting fruit trees, nuns in the Amazon blessing cocoa shoots and young kapok trees, young people from rural communities planting in the name of peace and justice, and urban families creating small community gardens. Each gesture, shared with the hashtag #ATreeForFrancis, transformed memory into movement and remembrance into a living root that continues to grow in honor of the legacy of Pope Francis.
Voices that flourish: what participants shared
Social networks were filled with messages full of affection, commitment and hope:
- Each tree planted symbolizes the love for creation, the tireless dedication and the luminous testimony of someone who knew how to guide the Church with humility and courage.
- Thank you, Pope Francis, for your life dedicated to the service of God and humanity!– Conference of Religious of Paraguay
- The Bolivian Amazon Answers the Call! “A Tree for Francisco” Blooms in the Apostolic Vicariate of Pando
- In honor of the life and legacy of Pope Francis, we plant this sapling as a symbol of hope, peace and care for creation. May this simple gesture be transformed into abundant life for future generations, perpetuating the values he taught us. – Diocese of Xingu Altamira – Brazil
The joy and emotion that was perceived in each publication reminds us that Francisco’s life touched deep fibers: a concrete spirituality, made of everyday gestures of care, love and commitment.
The legacy that continues to take root
The planting of trees was not only a symbolic gesture, but a real act of transformation: in every corner where today there is a new plant growing, the dream of a Church on departure, from a humanity reconciled with the Earth, and of a more conscious and fraternal global community.
Pope Francis taught us that justice, care for Creation and love for the poorest are inseparable. Planting a tree for him is also planting a commitment: continue to sow hope, peace and justice in every place where we are.
Sow your legacy, care for our future
We want many more to join. The Earth always needs new signs of life, and Francis’ legacy continues to inspire hearts.
To participate in the A Tree for Francis initiative, gather your community and dedicate a moment of prayer for the Earth, for peace, and for the legacy of Pope Francis. Then, choose a tree—preferably native or fruit-bearing—and plant it as a living sign of hope, justice and continuity of care for the Common Home. Finally, share this gesture on social networks with the hashtag #ATreeForFrancis and join this global sowing that honors the memory of a pastor who dedicated his life to the care of all lives.
The day or the place does not matter: Each new tree will be a new page of love written in memory of Francisco.
Because where a tree blooms, hope blooms, and the legacy of Pope Francis flourishes.
Let’s continue sowing together for a fairer, greener and more fraternal world!
Prayer at the Time of Planting the Tree
Dear Francis of the beloved Amazon,
In the vast corners of the verdant forest,
where the echo of the wind dances with life,
the voice of the river whispers among the trees,
and the soul of the earth is intertwined in harmony.
Your humble steps, as a brother among the poor,
guided us along the path of peace and justice,
where the cry of the forgotten resounds loudly
and hope is woven into every gesture of love.
O Francis, guardian of the most fragile,
your serene smile embraced pain and joy,
in your voice, words became prayer,
and faith was renewed in the simplicity of your gesture.
Brother of nature, master of humility,
we remember you, embraced by Sister Death,
who carries you to the bosom of serene eternity,
where your light shines in the heart of the Amazon.
Francis of hope, pontiff of the poor,
your legacy resonates beyond borders,
in every seed sown in fertile soil
and in every gaze that rises in gratitude.
May your soul rest in the peace of the just,
while the Amazon weaves in its living sap
the memory of the shepherd who loved like Christ,
and in sister death found infinite peace.
May your soul rest in the peace of the just,
while the Amazon weaves in its living sap
the memory of the shepherd who loved like Christ,
and in sister death found infinite peace.
Amen