Contributed by Fr Gerard Lai,
Coastal and Hinterland Catholic Communities
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known to the world as Pope Francis. Where do I begin? How can one possibly sum up a man so deeply loved, who reflected Christ so profoundly? Not only through his eloquent words and powerful use of imagery, but also through his humble, selfless actions that spoke even louder.
His death touches hearts across the globe because of the humanity he carried. He was a public figure who remained grounded, never letting status or power overshadow his compassion. One moment that captured the essence of his papacy was when he stopped his motorcade to embrace Vinicio Riva, a man disfigured by a rare disease. Vinicio had not felt a loving touch in years, yet Pope Francis embraced him without hesitation. That simple gesture changed his life. It revealed the core of who Francis was, a man of mercy and love.
Pope Francis lived what he preached. After his election in 2013, he famously declined the limousine and rode the bus back with the cardinals. He personally paid his bill at the clerical residence where he had stayed. He washed the feet of prisoners, just as Jesus did at the Last Supper, and continually reminded the Church of its mission to serve the poor.
He also led with vision. He reshaped the Church through synodality, promoting listening, dialogue, and appointing cardinals from often-overlooked parts of the world. He chose simplicity over grandeur, living in a Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace, urging priests to live simply and “have the smell of the sheep.”
Now, with Easter just behind us, we hold fast to the hope that if Christ died and rose again, then we too are promised new life. And so we pray that Pope Francis, who walked so faithfully in the footsteps of Jesus, now walks with Him in the fullness of glory.
When a pope dies, the world seems to pause. His body lies in state in Rome for a final farewell, followed by his funeral and burial, requested at Santa Maria Maggiore. The Church enters a sacred time of prayer and discernment as the cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel. When white smoke rises, a new chapter begins: Habemus Papam, “We have a pope.”
Let us continue to pray for the repose of the soul of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and for the Holy Spirit to guide the Church in wisdom and unity as we await a new shepherd.