Remembering Pope Francis

Dear Parishioners, 

Pope Francis in 2022

Easter Monday I was at my sister’s house, and I received a text that informed me Pope Francis died. Like many people, I was surprised but not shocked.  We have been praying for the Pope’s health for many weeks. He seemed to be on the mend. However, his health was frail, and he died of a stroke. Obviously, the long battle with pneumonia took its toll. 

We will remember Pope Francis as a tireless pastor. As someone said, he probably died the way he would have preferred. Hours before his passing, he was in St. Peter’s square interacting with the throngs of people who came for Easter Mass.   

Francis did not take vacations very often, yet he lived to be 88. There was only one pope who lived longer. Perhaps the lesson here is that if we love what we do it energizes us. Pope Francis loved ministry. He was getting ready to retire when he became Pope. He seemed to find new life when he became Bishop of Rome. 

When Francis stepped out onto the balcony at St. Peter’s after his election in spring of 2013, everyone knew that this Pope would be different. Before he blessed the faithful, he bowed and asked the people to bless him. He wanted to be one with us, not above us. He shared his feelings, admitted mistakes, and asked for forgiveness. This was truly impressive. 

Let us all pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire the Cardinals to choose a leader who has the charisms needed to lead our church into the future. Whoever is elected will need to be open to where the Spirit leads. 

Blessings, 

Fr. Mark