I was able to see Pope Francis when he came to Philadelphia in 2015. I remember standing outside of City Hall, crowds lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the Holy Father. Afternoon turned to dusk turned to night.
Finally, the Popemobile arrived on our block. I’ll never forget ust how bright Francis seemed on that dark September night. The symbolism was strong - a ray of light amidst the darkness.
Francis was that ray of light for me and millions of others, Catholic or otherwise. He provided hope to a church and world in desperate need of it.
The Holy Father blended two of the Church’s great charisms together seamlessly. He was a Jesuit through and through, able to discern through the lens of Ignatian spirituality that has guided him throughout his vocation.
And yet, he took the name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis saw all of creation as his sister and brother, embraced people on the margins of society, and lived as simply as he could. In so many ways, Francis the pope worked to emulate Francis the saint throughout his pontificate.
He was a pope who preached mercy to the world, that those who struggle with their faith still have a place at the table. He was a pope of dialogue and encounter, encouraging us to be a church that listens to the people of God and to respect people from all different contexts and walks of life. And he was a pope who consistently reached out to those on the edges of society, reminding us all that we are called to bring the least among us into the center of the Kingdom of God. Our call as people of goodwill is to continue this good work and to be that ray of light in dark times.
I remember the night he was announced as Bishop of Rome in 2013. He stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s and asked the whole world a simple question - he asked us to pray for him.
Now that he’s joined the communion of saints, it’s our turn to ask him to pray for us.
St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us
Pope Francis, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.