We will miss Pope Francis. We will miss his courageous, compassionate, inclusive, and engaging leadership. He had a profound love and concern for those at the margins and peripheries of society. He challenged priests and bishops to embrace simplicity and humility. He inspired seminarians to find joy in ministry. Every Holy Thursday, he would wash and kiss the feet of those who are alienated and suffering, such as prisoners, migrants, and the homeless. His homilies were simple yet relatable and thought-provoking. He held babies, consoled children, encouraged youth, affirmed marriages, and urged everyone to treat LGBTQ+ individuals, the divorced, those in second marriages, and others with compassion and dignity.
He also confronted the structures and institutions within the Church and parish life that stifle creativity, openness, new avenues of leadership, management, and evangelization. He challenged international leaders, governments, and the business world to prioritize the human person over the worship of money. He wrote:
“The current financial crisis can make us overlook the fact that it originated in a profound human crisis: the denial of the primacy of the human person. We have created new idols. The worship of the ancient golden calf (Ex 32:1-35) has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose” (The Joy of the Gospel, § 55).
He advocated for the care of the environment and the Earth by writing the encyclical Laudato Si, which received praise from various sectors of society, including scientists, other Christians, and non-Christian religions.
Until his last breath, he continued to bless us, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts that will remain forever.
Believing that God will receive him in peace and welcome him to His Eternal Home, let us now pray to Pope Francis. Let us ask for his intercession for the Church he loves so dearly, for the priests, bishops, religious women and men, seminarians, lay men and women, and all the faithful, that we may continue his legacy of mercy and compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized members of our society. We thank him for his twelve years of service as an unfaltering, fearless, and loving leader. May we overcome our fears and all divisions; may we all be one!
The Cardinals under 80 years old, eligible to elect the next pope, have now convened in the Vatican. Let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon their assembly as they elect the next Shepherd of the Universal Church.
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday this weekend, may we embody the spirit of Pope Francis—compassionate, merciful, courageous, and faithful to God, His Church, and one another until the end of our lives.
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.