Francis. Even his chosen papal name signaled a different kind of shepherd. Electing to honor the humble saint of Assisi, known for his devotion to the poor and creation, Pope Francis signaled a papacy marked by compassion. This past Easter Monday, at 88, we mourned his passing, a loss felt far beyond the Catholic Church.
For twelve years, Francis offered spiritual leadership rooted in humility, peacemaking, and a profound love for all God’s creation, especially the marginalized. He chose simplicity, residing in the Vatican's guesthouse rather than opulent papal apartments, a living testament to his values. He knelt and kissed the feet of South Sudan's rival leaders, imploring them to make peace. He washed the feet of prisoners and laughed with children. He possessed a rare ability to connect, to see and be seen.
Francis’ 2015 visit to Washington D.C. captivated the nation. I recall watching from our house in Atlanta as he addressed Congress, a historic moment. His gentle spirit, calling them “dear friends,” and his heartfelt advocacy for immigrants and refugees, social justice, and environmental stewardship moved me to tears.
Pope Francis's engagement with global issues flowed from a deep, personal faith in Christ. He sought to make Christ's love tangible, particularly for those on the peripheries of society. His was a ministry of presence, of walking alongside those who often felt unseen.
Interestingly, while his emphasis on mercy and pastoral accompaniment resonated deeply with many outside the Church, it sparked debate within. Some questioned whether his approach risked doctrinal ambiguity. This tension, between mercy and law, between pastoral application and doctrinal clarity, is a familiar one, mirroring the very theological polarizations Baptists have grappled with for decades.
Pope Francis, in his own way, wrestled with these questions, seeking to embody the mercy of Christ in a world often marked by division and despair. He reminded us that we are all part of a larger flock, a global family bound by our shared humanity.
Let us remember Pope Francis with warmth and gratitude. May his legacy of love and service inspire us to reflect Christ's light in a world longing for mercy.
Thank you, Francis. Rest in Christ’s loving embrace.