Washington DC – Saturday marks the end of the Spring Meetings, where world leaders gathered as part of the IMF, World Bank and G20 meetings. Pope Francis was remembered at this week's meetings as he commented continually on global economic policies.

Eric LeCompte, Executive Director of the religious development group Jubilee USA Network who advises Vatican and Catholic Church leadership and monitors IMF and G20 meetings, releases the following statement:

"Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the greatest world leaders of our time.

"As we remember Francis, we know that he devoted his papacy to creating an economy that includes all of us and protects our planet.

"Francis was critical of IMF policies and called for major reforms of the financial system that would serve the poor, address inequality and protect the environment.

"Pope Francis dedicated this sacred year of the Church, Jubilee 2025, to debt relief and reforms of the IMF and the global economy.

"Reforming the IMF is part of key Catholic teaching that was also lifted by Popes John Paul II and Benedict.

"At the G20, IMF and World Bank meetings, the Pope's memory was celebrated at almost every gathering.

"The most important way to honor Pope Francis is for world leaders to implement his calls for debt relief and new processes that address poverty and debt in the financial system."

Read Jubilee USA's statement on the G20 ministerial meeting here.

Read Jubilee USA's statement on the IMF Global Financial Stability Report here.

Read Jubilee USA's statement on the IMF World Economic Outlook report here.

Read Jubilee USA's press release on IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva's curtain-raiser speech here.

Read Jubilee USA's statement on the passing of Pope Francis who had focused this year's Church efforts on debt relief and IMF reform here.

Read the letter to President Trump from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and Jubilee USA Network on following Pope Francis' Jubilee 2025 focus here.