Pope Francis, Apostle of Social Justice
We woke up this morning to the sad news of the death of Pope Francis. Just yesterday, Easter Sunday, he met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, he appeared on the balcony above St. Peter’s Square to deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, he and he even took a brief ride in the popemobile to greet worshipers in the square. He always wanted to be close to the people, and he conducted his farewell in the same way he conducted his papacy – with the people, a symbol of hope and perseverance, setting aside his personal comfort to be present to all.
From the moment he was elected pope, choosing the unconventional but highly symbolic name Francis, this pope was determined to be a force for change not only in the Catholic Church but throughout the world. He was a champion for environmental justice with his groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si spelling out the obligations inherent in the social justice mandate to care for God’s creation. He expressed solidarity with the poor and marginalized persons of the earth, and was particularly a champion for migrants who are so deeply oppressed by too many governments, including the current U.S. government. He expressed openness and welcome to gay and lesbian people, a posture that provoked great opposition but he did not budge. He appointed more women to senior Vatican positions than any other pope. He had his critics, not only on the right but also those on the left who felt he did not go far enough to affirm women’s place in the Church. Advocates for justice for those abused by clergy also felt he missed many opportunities to acknowledge the grievous official sins of the Church and to strengthen safeguards.
The death of Pope Francis marks the end of a significantly progressive period for the Church. The conclave that will gather in a few weeks to select the next pope will face many pressures to continue in his direction or to reverse course. With authoritarianism on the rise throughout the world, and with many governments adopting highly oppressive policies toward persons on the margins, we pray that the cardinals in the conclave will have the wisdom and strength to choose a new leader who can continue in the Francis tradition, upholding the Church’s teachings on social justice, expressing solidarity with the poor and marginalized of this earth, confronting oppressive governments, protecting the environment and lifting up the central moral principle of defending human life and dignity in all of its glorious diversity around the globe.
Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.
What are your thoughts about Pope Francis? Send me an email to president@trinitydc.edu I will publish your statements on my blog — either signed or anonymous, let me know your preference.
