The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) joins working people around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis – a courageous voice for justice, dignity, and peace.
Pope Francis was not only a spiritual leader but a steadfast ally to the world’s workers. From his native Argentina to the global stage, he stood with trade unions and their members, defending the rights of working people to organise, to bargain collectively, and to live free from exploitation.
In a world scarred by inequality, war, and division, his moral clarity and compassion will be deeply missed. At a time when so many leaders sow discord, Pope Francis was a man who built bridges – between nations, faiths, and people. He was a man of peace and conviction, who spoke truth to power and reminded us that the measure of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable.
The ITF was privileged to work with Pope Francis and the Vatican on initiatives to advance decent work, confront exploitation, and uphold the dignity of workers across global supply chains. He welcomed ITF delegations to the Vatican for two landmark forums – first in 2019, where trade unions, employers, and the Church came together in an unprecedented alliance to push for urgent reform of global supply chains and stronger protections for workers. Then again in 2022, to drive action on technology, climate justice, human trafficking, corruption, and corporate accountability. In both, the Pope made clear: workers’ rights and the fight against modern slavery are moral imperatives, and the global economy must serve people – not profits.
In those meetings, ITF President Paddy Crumlin praised the Pope’s commitment to meaningful dialogue and real solutions, stating:
“Pope Francis understands that dialogue is not just about words – it is about listening, and then acting. His leadership has helped elevate the dignity of work as a moral imperative, not just an economic one.”
Crumlin reflected on the power of the partnership between the Vatican and the ITF: “In every encounter, Pope Francis reminded us that the fight for workers’ rights is a fight for human rights. He urged us to keep challenging the structures that devalue labour and reward greed. He gave legitimacy and urgency to our shared struggle – and did so with an unwavering commitment to peace, solidarity, and the common good. We are proud to have stood beside him.”
ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton added: “Pope Francis stood firmly with working people throughout his papacy. He understood the real-life consequences of injustice and inequality, and he used his global platform to demand accountability from those in power. His engagement with trade unions was rooted in shared purpose – to build a world where every worker is treated with dignity and where peace is pursued through justice. His voice was a moral force, and his loss will be deeply felt across our movement.”
His moral leadership reinforced the importance of strong trade unions, international cooperation, and shared responsibility for the future of humanity.
The thoughts of the entire ITF family are with all those who mourn his passing, particularly our affiliated unions in Argentina, who shared a deep relationship with Pope Francis from his earliest days as a defender of working people.
