A champion of the vulnerable

Pope Francis will be remembered as a reformer, a champion of the vulnerable, and as a man who sought to simplify and clarify the Church’s teachings and structures so they could speak “authentically” to all people living in a changed, and changing, world.

That’s the general consensus as the Vatican prepares to lay the Pope to rest following his death on Easter Sunday morning at the age of 88.

For those who remember him from his earliest days as a priest and bishop and his subsequent succession to Pope, they recall his “embodiment” of simplicity and service. He rejected the trappings of prestige reflecting “the heart of a shepherd who walks closely with his flock,” said Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh and Cavan native, Bishop Michael Router said. “He worked tirelessly to rebuild trust in the Church, addressing the painful legacy of abuse scandals and calling for unity among Catholics from diverse cultures and viewpoints.”

During his visit to Ireland in 2018, Pope Francis privately met with survivors of abuse and visited St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, where he sat for a number of minutes in silent prayer at the Candle of Innocence, a perpetually lit candle for the victims of clerical sex abuse. He also spoke about the importance of family prayer and the need for reconciliation in the North.

Pope Francis’ voice was strong and prophetic on behalf of the poor, the displaced, and those suffering injustice, virtues that endeared him to people across all religious divides.

His legacy is one of hope, of forgiveness, of kindness, and of compassion and it’s up to the laity and church leaders to pursue his legacy in their daily lives.

However, Pope Francis' message resonates far beyond the catholic church. Political leaders of all hues rushed to pay tribute to the Argentinian native since his passing, and they too in this time of turmoil need to take stock of his leadership on the plight of refugees and the ever worsening climate crisis.

His first trip after being elected pope was to Lampedusa, an Italian island housing many migrants who had made it across the Mediterranean, while countless more lives have been lost at sea. His visit was a powerful gesture of where he intended to place his priorities.

On January 1st this year Pope Francis called on Christian nations to set an example through debt relief for the world’s poorest countries. If the west stepped up to meet this challenge it would mean much more than simple statements of condolences.

Pope Francis' funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 9am Irish time in St Peter's Basilica.

The start date of the conclave, during which 135 ‘cardinal electors’ will choose the Pope’s successor, is not yet known, though it should begin no less than 15 days and no more than 20 days after the Holy See’s death.

If black smoke billows from a chimney overlooking St Peter's Square, the vote has been unsuccessful. White smoke signals a new pope has been elected.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.