Pope Francis met Aug. 30 with members of the Carlo Maria Martini Foundation, a year after the death of the cardinal who served as the group's namesake.

Cardinal Martini, who was the archbishop of Milan and a noted biblical scholar, was "a prophet of peace," Pope Francis said during the meeting.

He labeled the cardinal "a father in the Church, not only for his diocese, but for countless people."

"We, at the ends of the world received from him a great contribution to biblical knowledge, but also because of his spirituality and life of faith, were nourished by the Word of God," said the Pope.

The foundation was established to preserve the cardinal's legacy, and Pope Francis met with its members, including Father Carlo Casalone, provincial of the Society of Jesus for Italy.

The pontiff shared his memories of the cardinal during their encounter, highlighting his speech on justice and faith at the General Congregation of the Jesuits in 1974.