We are often reminded of our fragile humanity when we hear of someone’s passing. But when reflecting on the long and service-led life of someone like Pope Francis, the emotions can feel more complex. When I heard the news early on Easter Monday, I was struck not only by sadness at the loss of our Holy Father, a beloved spiritual leader, but also by a deep sense of gratitude … gratitude for his life, his witness and his enduring example. For me, Pope Francis was a formative figure in shaping my understanding of human fraternity.
Reaching out
A signature theme in Pope Francis’ ministry was reaching out to the peripheries. His tireless efforts to reach the peripheries of human society, physically and spiritually, were grounded in what it means to be a neighbor. According to one of the many reflections published by the Vatican News on April 21, his travels to be with people were prominent in his ministry. Visiting 68 countries was not a duty but a sincere desire to express his “closeness” to others. There is something about being with others, in solidarity as a neighbor, that builds bridges across our differences and fosters reconciliation when we have fallen short. There is an old adage in conflict resolution, “get closer” to the challenge. If the friction happens via email, pick up the phone … if by phone, go see the person … if in person, grab lunch or coffee. For Pope Francis, this process simply meant being present with people who have historically been marginalized, as a step toward healing and understanding.
Authentic witness
Another element of the witness of Pope Francis was his teaching. The teaching authority of the Church rests broadly on the shoulders of the bishops, and the Pope’s voice through Apostolic Exhortations, Moto Proprio and Encyclicals bring lasting structure to the living Tradition of our faith. Francis issued many documents, and his encyclicals gave us much to consider for our troubled human family. He encouraged us to seek the light of our faith, Jesus, as our guide in times of darkness (Lumen Fidei). Francis also enjoined us to care for our common home early in his Pontificate (Laudato Si), only to challenge us later to strive for kindness as brothers and sisters to all (Fratelli Tutti). His last encyclical (Dilexit Nos) expressed a longing to return to the heart, where humanity mysteriously finds its connection beyond the actions that drive us apart. He was also a leader who believed in dialog, despite our divisions, and the need for an authentic synodal Church.
Human kindness
Of the many things I hope to remember about Pope Francis, his vision for human kindness left an impression on me. I gave a talk recently on Fratelli Tutti, and particularly how solidarity as neighbor has become the guiding theme in our ministry at Catholic Social Services. The parable of the Good Samaritan was the inspiration for this encyclical, and one that I believe will be one of the most referenced social encyclicals of our time … because of its simple premise of kindness. Near the end of the document, there is section devoted to the role of kindness in our relationships. Francis writes “Often nowadays we find neither the time nor the energy to stop and be kind to others, to say ‘excuse me’, ‘pardon me’, ‘thank you.’ Yet every now and then, miraculously, a kind person appears and is willing to set everything else aside in order to show interest, to give the gift of a smile, to speak a word of encouragement, to listen amid general indifference.” (FT 224). This passage is one that I use to close every talk given about solidarity. We are called to love, but love is hard. We can begin with kindness, as a simple act that just may move us toward love.
By the time this is published, we will be closer to welcoming a new Bishop of Rome to take his seat on the Chair of Peter. We pray for this man to be guided by wisdom and the Holy Spirit, as humanity moves forward in time where the Kingdom of God is revealed to each of us through faith. It is a simple act of kindness, done from a genuine desire to be with another, that can begin the journey toward a more fraternal hope. This is what I will remember most about Pope Francis.
Learn more about getting involved with Catholic Social Services at www.colscss.org