Pope Francis: Trinity Community Remembrances and Tributes

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As the world prepares to say farewell to Pope Francis, I invite members of the Trinity family to share remembrances and tributes for “The People’s Pope” — below are some that have already come in, feel free to share yours by clicking on the “comment” link below or email me at president@trinitydc.edu

Dr. Carrie O’Reilly, Associate Dean for NHP and Director of the Nursing Program:

My immediate thought about Pope Francis is humilitas and modestia. It is my belief that this pope exemplified the very nature of what Christ told us were the blessings or beatitudes related to desired faith and human behavior—pureness of heart, meekness, thirst for righteousness, mercy, peacemaking. Pope Frances demonstrated all of these. John Welsey wrote that the “pure in heart … are, through the power of grace, purified from pride, by the deepest poverty of spirit; from anger, from every unkind or turbulent passion, by meekness and gentleness; from every desire but to please and enjoy God, to know and love him more and more, by that hunger and thirst after righteousness which now engrosses their whole soul: So that now they love the Lord their God with all their heart, and with all their soul, and mind, and strength.” (Upon Our Lord’s Sermon On The Mount: Discourse Three, Sermon 23, 1739). I have seen all of this in Pope Francis’ example to the Christian walk of faith. When we witness such a life, we are called to be a witness also. Proverbs 14:25 tells us “a truthful witness saves lives….” I believe the Pope Francis has been a truthful witness, and his legacy will be the myriad saved lives globally as a result of that witness.

Sr. Ann Howard, SNDdeN, Director of Campus Ministry:

May he rest in peace.  And may the Cardinals, as they gather to elect a new Pope, vote for the continuance of the synodal church we are becoming accustomed to.  That Francis held an audience on his last day, Easter Sunday, before thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square shows that he completed his mission and did ‘conduct his farewell’ beautifully and now we can offer him our blessing with prayer and acts of kindness.

Martha Molina, Director of Financial Aid:

My husband and I, who are not Catholic, were deeply sorry to hear about his passing because of the characteristics that you mentioned below.  I will pray as well for the Cardinals to select someone worthy, as Pope Francis was, to guide the church and all of us.  People from my faith, always spoke very highly of Pope Francis because his love for the people transcended religions, he loved everyone and didn’t judge people. His guidance to the world will be sorely missed.

Eugene Pinkard, Trustee:

In my life, I have seen few leaders–let alone any at the pinnacle of global influence–to adopt a more Christlike posture. Not only did Pope Francis exhibit a commitment to love, justice, and humility, he did it in a way that challenged institutions and individuals to reflect on what it truly means to live in accordance with our values. He will be missed, but his message and example will endure.

Michele Thompson, HR Talent Recruitment:

Pope Francis will be greatly missed!  During his visit in 2015, I was among the many that stood on the side walk just to get a glimpse of the Pope who stood for peace, hope and the people.  I pray that the next Pope will have those same characteristics that we all loved!