Pope Francis was beyond simply the leader of the Catholic Church; he genuinely cared with his heart for each individual. Though he’s no longer here, his influence feels more alive than ever.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Jesuit pope and the first from Latin America. Right from the start, he challenged tradition in subtle yet meaningful ways. Instead of residing in the fancy papal residence, he chose a humble apartment. For example, he turned down a luxury car and preferred to use public transport like everyone else. It wasn’t just for show; he truly believed in living with humility and practiced it daily, displaying his devotion to his teachings.
What struck many most was his deep concern for the poor. He literally transformed a Vatican plaza into a shelter for people experiencing homelessness, calling them the “nobles of the street.”
One of his many powerful moments was during Holy Thursday, when he washed the feet of prisoners, migrants, and even non-Christians, something no pope had done before. This act from the Pope demonstrated his genuine love for all, as he did not care if they were Christian.
Another vital topic the Pope was very passionate about was caring for the environment as an essential part of faith. He often refers to the Earth as “our common home” and reminds us that God told Adam to “till the earth and keep it,” meaning it’s our responsibility to protect it, not just exploit it.
He’s spoken about pollution, climate change, and how environmental damage hits the poor hardest. Again, the Pope not only spoke out for the poor but the environment and God’s creation; his thoughts were always for the betterment of the world and not just the Catholic Church.
He has also been vocal about the importance of every human life, advocating for the pro-life movement. While he strongly disagreed with abortion, calling it a “preeminent” sin, he encouraged humans to see the bigger picture, thinking about God’s creation and making everyone in his love and likeness. He advocated for protecting life at all stages, from unborn babies and the elderly to the poor, the sick, and those on death row.
He even called for the global abolition of the death penalty, emphasizing that everyone deserves dignity regardless of their actions. The Pope’s actions with respect to abortion and strong efforts for the abolition of the death penalty clearly illustrated his love for humanity and that God is the ultimate judge of dignity and the deciding factor of evil.
Pope Francis wasn’t shy about speaking on current issues either. He criticized society’s obsession with technology and material possessions, warning that this can lead us astray from our true purpose in life and that the true purpose is finding fulfillment in the faith rather than materialistic items that only last you so long. He’s also spoken about how loneliness and social isolation are significant challenges today, especially among young people.
The Pope’s words on the adolescent generation can resonate with young kids around the world but also in the CCHS community and high school; sometimes, it can be tough, and his words on bringing social isolation to life could resonate with many high schoolers around the world.
Many did not agree with everything he said. Some felt he was too forgiving with divorced Catholics or people with same-sex attractions. The Pope’s main goal was to display love to all, no matter what, but the Pope still displayed his traditionalism in many ways as well; he explained why Catholics should evangelize every day and why birth control is deemed immoral in the Catholic religion.
Mr. Frice, a Catholic Faith teacher here at Cathedral Catholic, spoke out on the Pope’s incredible papacy for the last decade and a half. Frice spoke about the humbleness of the Pope; he was a person who lived a simple life. “Somebody who really sought not only to say the right thing but do the right thing: to demonstrate.”
Another significant effort the Pope made was his continuous efforts for the poor and marginalized. He was always out trying to serve others, “elevating the poor,” as Frice said.
Frice also touched on the Pope’s compassion and the culture of encounter, where you “don’t just pass people, but that you notice demand you see them for who they are.” Frice’s response embodies the utmost importance of compassion and love, not just looking but seeing people for who they are and accepting them.
The Pope’s message still continues: care for our planet, stand up for the vulnerable, welcome the outsider, and lead with compassion and love. The Pope will forever be remembered as a righteous man and a loving, caring soul. May he rest in peace in heaven.
