Editorial Reflections

World loses ecumenical, prophetic leader

 

In the death of Pope Francis, our world has lost the kind of prophetic leader it needs most.

From the moment of his election, when he humbly asked for prayers to his public appearances on Easter the day before he died, he faithfully served his God as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

He embodied concern for those living in poverty and on the margins both by example and by his teachings. His first visit outside the Vatican was to the Italian island of Lampedusa in July 2013. The visit drew global attention to the migration crisis in Europe and highlighted the need for compassion and understanding towards those seeking refuge. It reflected his commitment to social justice, human dignity and the Church's role in serving the most vulnerable members of society.

One of his last actions was to visit with the U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, with whom he had sharply disagreed on the Trump administration's approach to immigration.

In his personal life, Pope Francis rejected much of the pomp of the papacy, choosing to live in simple rooms of the guest house Casa Santa Marta, where he took his meals in the same buffet line as everyone else. He drove in a regular car instead of the Pope-mobile and favored a simple white robe and ordinary shoes over traditional ornate vestments.

He was one of the first leaders of a major religion to speak out about the damage humans were doing to Earth, our common home.

In his encyclical Laudato Si, he challenged Catholics, Christians and all people of the world to change our actions. The encyclical spurred the foundation of a worldwide movement of the same name.

He had declared 2025—what was to be the last year of his life—to be a Jubilee Year of Hope, encouraging Catholics to be "tangible signs of hope for those experiencing hardships of any kind," urging believers to be "pilgrims of light" amid the darkness of the world and to work towards a more fraternal and peaceful world.

Pope Francis was a remarkable leader filled with the joy of the Gospel. He championed the dignity of all people, particularly those of us relegated to the peripheries. He affirmed the sacredness of all creation and called for an inclusive church that welcomes all. He was a compassionate leader who cared about people and the planet.

May his spirit be our guide.

Catherine Ferguson SNJM
The Fig Tree Editorial Team