It was with profound sadness that we learnt on Easter Monday morning of the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis. He was an ever faithful servant of the Lord who began his Papacy in March 2013 by greeting the people of the world “Buona Sera – Good evening” and asking the people of the world to pray for Him as he began this next chapter in his life. Then last Sunday his last words were to the people gathered on Easter Sunday as he gave the Urbi et Orbi blessing to the world from that same balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica before being driven through the crowds in the square unaware that this was his last time meeting them.
As Pope in both word and deed, he pointed to a loving and merciful God who reaches out to embrace all people always reminding us that the Church is for everyone. His legacy was one of openness and peace, and his desire was to build bridges between the World and the Church; between people and nations.
Pope Francis had a big heart for the poor, the migrant, the marginalised, for those on the peripheries of society. He dreamed of a Church as the people of God working together to make this often darkened world of ours a better place. He was comfortable among the rich, the powerful and most especially among the poor, the outcast, the stranger, he opened his door and his heart to each one of them.
Then in opening the Church to the Synodal pathway he invited the voices of all people to be heard and listened to – so that together we can seek a way forward for the Church into the future.
His Papacy could be defined by two strands – acknowledging the dignity of every person and the care for God’s creation. If we focus on these two themes then we will be in right relationship with God, with one another and with the world. These right relationships will lead us to peace for all people.
I was privileged to meet Pope Francis, unexpectedly, one Saturday morning in the Vatican while attending a conference on parish catechesis when I was invited to step forward and approach our Holy Father. Standing before him, greeting him and shaking hands with him, in those few moments I felt I was the only one he was giving attention to, I was important to him. It is a moment I will remember and treasure.
We give thanks this day for the life and ministry of Pope Francis, thank him for his leadership over the last twelve years where he has opened new pathways for us all as Church and pray he now enjoys eternal rest with among the saints in heaven united with the Lord whom he served so faithfully.
Karen OSU