Pope Francis
By Rob Mullen
Jorge Bergoglio’s decision to take Francis as his pontifical name was a sign his papacy was going to be different. The nod to perhaps Catholicism’s most popular saint, Francis of Assisi, was more than symbolic.
Mercy should be the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Pope Francis. He was a champion for so many, be they refugees or immigrants, the poor, the sick, those who are LGBTQ, or those living on the margins in whatever circumstances. He led reforms in Church structures and initiated a listening process called a synod, that will churn out changes for years to come, such as the possible ordination of women to the permanent diaconate.
He took on his role as bishop of Rome with fervor, even in death, as he has chosen to be buried at a basilica he frequently visited instead of at the Vatican.
Popes hold a sway in not only Church spheres but also with the wider non-Catholic world. His travels, meetings with world leaders and various letters called encyclicals made sure that the Gospel message of Jesus Christ was the crux of his ministry. In particular his writings about the environment and parish life are groundbreaking.
He is being heralded as the People’s Pope.
He frequently asked all to pray for him. We now pray that his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.