Jorge Mario Bergoglio, more famously known as Pope Francis, bishop of Rome, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign ruler of Vatican City, passed during the early hours of Easter Monday. Few leaders have commanded the respect and love that has poured forth from every stretch of the planet like Pope Francis as they celebrate his life, mourn his death and shoulder his legacy.
The Ring of the Fisherman had never before been worn by a South American, a Jesuit or a Pope of the name Francis until 2013. It was only fitting that Pope Francis’s papacy is considered to be one of firsts. And yet, I would argue that there was absolutely nothing original about it. Everything he did had been done 2,000 years before by a man who preached the same radical empathy. How little we have changed if this is as controversial today as it was then.
Like his Lord and namesake St. Francis of Assisi, the Pope lived the virtue of humility. While I’m not sure if he rode on a donkey, he frequently took public transportation as the archbishop of Buenos Aires and even took a bus back to his hotel the night he was elected. He rejected much of the luxurious vestments and adornments of the papacy and the Apostolic Palace in favor of more modest living arrangements.
What more could be expected from the follower of he who said: “Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Bergoglio assumed the mantle at a time when sex scandals were wracking the Catholic Church. Pope Francis reached out to victims of abuse and published Vos Estis Lux Mundi, which sought to prevent sexual abuse and hold religious figures accountable for their actions. He recognized that the Church had a dark past of not only having such horrific violence, but also of intentionally protecting perpetrators to protect the Church’s reputation.
Pope Francis was also known (and fiercely criticized for) his kindness towards those in the LGBTQ+ community. He famously remarked, “Who am I to judge?” when asked for his opinion on gay priests. He offered VIP seats in the papal general audiences and COVID-19 vaccinations to transgender sex workers in Rome.
At the same time, his legacy is marred by instances of homophobia and transphobia, both issued by the Vatican and his own lips. And while he has made progress in addressing the sins of the Church, there is still a long way to go. No excuses can be made for his shortcomings.
But he believed in a forgiving God. A compassionate God. Bryant Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer, said: “Everyone is more than the worst thing they’ve ever done.”
I firmly believe it is not only possible, but imperative to both recognize the failures of our leaders and the good they have done.
While world leaders flaunted their power through shows of military force, Pope Francis kissed the feet of South Sudanese leaders in a plea for cooperation. While war tore apart lives, Pope Francis was steadfast in begging for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. While corporations destroyed the environment, Pope Francis asked us to remember our roles as stewards of creation.
Francis was the greatest Pope the Catholic Church has ever had. His love reminded billions, including me, what Jesus really taught. For the Church’s own sake, I hope it realizes that tradition is only useful insofar as it guides the flock. I hope we, and the conclave, will continue Pope Francis’ legacy into a brighter future.
Requiescat in pace, Jorge. We will miss you.
