Today, we bid farewell to Pope Francis – a man whose life and work deeply touched the world. He stood as a symbol of kindness, humility, and profound humanity. His unwavering commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and the vulnerable will remain in our hearts and calls us all to reflect on our own responsibilities.
The images from today’s funeral have been deeply moving: Heads of state and leaders from countries currently facing strained relations – such as Pakistan and India, or even Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy – came together to honour a man who always chose the path of dialogue and reconciliation. These powerful moments remind us of how essential it is, especially in times of division, to build bridges and to seek communication over conflict.
As tourist guides – often referred to as Peace Ambassadors – we share in this responsibility. It is our mission to foster dialogue between cultures and to nurture mutual understanding. True dialogue, however, requires more than good intentions; it demands background knowledge, cultural awareness, and the courage to address even the most challenging topics. Through our professional training, we provide travellers not only with historical facts but also with deeper insights into cultural contexts, social developments, and the complex histories of the places and people we encounter.
Just as Pope Francis never shied away from speaking uncomfortable truths, we too must embrace the duty to tackle difficult subjects during our tours. Themes such as climate change, societal transformation, racism, war, oppression, and extremism are integral parts of our shared history. In a world undergoing rapid change, we cannot afford to overlook these realities; instead, we should integrate them thoughtfully, respectfully, and knowledgeably into our narratives.
Pope Francis taught us that true leadership requires courage, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to dialogue. May his legacy inspire us all to fulfil our important role as cultural mediators, bridge-builders, and guides with even greater consciousness and responsibility.
With deep gratitude and in silent remembrance,
Sebastian Frankenberger
President of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA)
