Here in Maryland, the cradle of the Catholic Church in the United States, the death of 88-year-old Pope Francis is felt keenly. It is not just that he broke barriers as the first pontiff from Latin America. Nor even that he preached tolerance — although that message seems even more timely today than it was when the Argentine-born Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope 12 years ago. It was, for Catholics and non-Catholics alike, his message of love, humility and compassion that proved transcendent. This was not a leader caught up in traditions or formalities or internal Vatican disputes, this was someone who cared deeply about others.

Did Pope Francis change the world? It is difficult to measure objectively. Look around and there’s no shortage of strife, poverty, human rights abuses and conflicts, with wars and brutal dictators still to be found around the planet, Ukraine, Gaza, Iraq, Sudan, and on and on. Clearly, it takes more than prayer to bring peace.

But look closer. Pope Francis taught humility and resisted condemning homosexuality in the Catholic Church and beyond. “Who am I to judge?” he famously observed, perhaps echoing the words of Jesus in John 8:7, “He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.” He treated people with respect and often advocated for the poor. His signature message was the parable of the Good Samaritan celebrating mercy and a helping hand for people in need, especially immigrants fleeing war, violent strife or persecution.

Did the world listen? Some did, many did not. But it’s telling to hear this week the outpouring of goodwill heard far and wide since his passing. We echo the thoughts of Baltimore’s own Archbishop William E. Lori who recalled feeling a strong connection to him and, in a Memorial Mass, instructed the faithful to follow the pontiff’s example and rededicate themselves to helping the poor and marginalized. “We are to be at once a beacon of hope and a field hospital for the wounded.” Lori preached at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen.

And so we would say to those who question whether a pope can matter in the tech-worshipping 21st century: Ask the millions who grieve, people of varying faiths who admired the man and maybe, just maybe, have been inspired to follow a better path. Pope Francis summoned us to repair to the better angels of our nature even if the response was often disheartening. The Pope could never have made the world perfect; that is simply not within the power of mortal men. But the papacy is worth cherishing when it provides an exceptional individual an opportunity to send such an inspiring message — and to provide a moderating influence when moderation is in short supply.