Last week, the news was awash with stories about the ways Pope Francis reached out to common people, especially those at the margins — the poor, the forgotten, the ones most harmed by life’s wanton and often human-made cruelties.
Thanks for writing about Pope Francis, a humble and compassionate leader. As a former (recovering?) Catholic, I appreciate the example set by Pope Francis as he lived out what Jesus modeled and called for: love, compassion, service to others. He used his position not for power but for making the world a better place. He will be missed.
Thanks for focusing on feet, our humble and often neglected connection with the earth. And for weaving Francis into this perspective of caring for others.
It’s interesting that he chose paths whose actions kept him humble. I recall one of his first choices as Pope was where he would live. He immediately broke tradition and moved into a “normal” dwelling, much less spacious and not even within the innermost part of Vatican City. In this action he was closer to how other people were living, where he could see and feel a reality, a more normal perspective.
Oh, and you’ve sparked another memory! This one a movie about a Pope, who accidentally walks out of the area where he lives and ends up outside and alone yet among his people. Like Jane Curtain in a comedy where she’s in her cleaning the house clothes and accidentally ends up in the city, with no money, unrecognizable and alone. So in this comedy, we change our perspective, too.
In changing perspective, we are forced to experience our world with a humble heart. Pope Francis, chose to make humble and kind gestures, and as a world leader, his decisions and opinions were known to everyone.
And so … he chose to wash the feet of those of us most marginalized. What a brilliant, thoughtful, silent example to help us to grow.
Yes, I think his choice of living quarters was his first act of humility. I read somewhere that his quarters amounted to a bedroom, sitting room, and private bath -- a grand total of less than 600 square feet. Not palatial by any stretch! He really took his Jesuit vows to heart all the way through his life. He lived them, even when he could easily could have been seduced by the pomp and circumstance, not to mention the vast wealth, of the papacy. I think he was a true adherent of liberation theology, which seeks wisdom from those at the margins, and he led by example as much as anything. I admired him for much of his work.
As always, Sylvia, thank you for your words. The end of your post reminded me of Peggy Seeger's wonderful song, "Love, Call Me Home," which I learned years ago and still sing. The chorus: "Time, ferry me down the river/Friends carry me safely over./Life, tend me on my journey/Love, call me home."
Honor Guard following Pope Francis’ body for burial in its tomb at the Basillica was composed of Rome’s homeless, migrants, transgender and gay people and the poor, the ones so often forgotten in the pomp and circumstance of tradition. They were Francis’ congregation. Let’s hope the Church can see that this pope tried to follow the teachings of Christ.”
Thank you for your beautiful, heartfelt message reminding us what is really important in life. Pope Francis' example is such a stark contrast to the actions of our current administration. You said it so well.
Thank you so much, Faith. Yes, the contrast was striking. We'll see what happens next. No matter who they choose for the next Pope, though, I will always remember that foot washing ritual at the youth detention facility!
Thanks for writing about Pope Francis, a humble and compassionate leader. As a former (recovering?) Catholic, I appreciate the example set by Pope Francis as he lived out what Jesus modeled and called for: love, compassion, service to others. He used his position not for power but for making the world a better place. He will be missed.
Thanks for focusing on feet, our humble and often neglected connection with the earth. And for weaving Francis into this perspective of caring for others.
It’s interesting that he chose paths whose actions kept him humble. I recall one of his first choices as Pope was where he would live. He immediately broke tradition and moved into a “normal” dwelling, much less spacious and not even within the innermost part of Vatican City. In this action he was closer to how other people were living, where he could see and feel a reality, a more normal perspective.
Oh, and you’ve sparked another memory! This one a movie about a Pope, who accidentally walks out of the area where he lives and ends up outside and alone yet among his people. Like Jane Curtain in a comedy where she’s in her cleaning the house clothes and accidentally ends up in the city, with no money, unrecognizable and alone. So in this comedy, we change our perspective, too.
In changing perspective, we are forced to experience our world with a humble heart. Pope Francis, chose to make humble and kind gestures, and as a world leader, his decisions and opinions were known to everyone.
And so … he chose to wash the feet of those of us most marginalized. What a brilliant, thoughtful, silent example to help us to grow.
Thank you for reminding me, with love, Sylvie.
Yes, I think his choice of living quarters was his first act of humility. I read somewhere that his quarters amounted to a bedroom, sitting room, and private bath -- a grand total of less than 600 square feet. Not palatial by any stretch! He really took his Jesuit vows to heart all the way through his life. He lived them, even when he could easily could have been seduced by the pomp and circumstance, not to mention the vast wealth, of the papacy. I think he was a true adherent of liberation theology, which seeks wisdom from those at the margins, and he led by example as much as anything. I admired him for much of his work.
I agree. He was a true leader, a good example for people of all faiths to follow.
And on another “note “:https://www.facebook.com/share/r/12Jf79cj55y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Oh, that was so TOTALLY what I needed this morning! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
As always, Sylvia, thank you for your words. The end of your post reminded me of Peggy Seeger's wonderful song, "Love, Call Me Home," which I learned years ago and still sing. The chorus: "Time, ferry me down the river/Friends carry me safely over./Life, tend me on my journey/Love, call me home."
Beautiful, Kathy! Thank you!
Thanks for the reminder to share kindness today and all the tomorrows I can.
He was such a good model for all of us, wasn't he?
So lovely to read such a positive piece about a man we can truly honor amid our politics these days. Thank you.
I know -- isn't it a relief to be able to be positive? There is so much that can drag us down!
💜
Thank you!
Just saw this:
“According to the WP, the final
Honor Guard following Pope Francis’ body for burial in its tomb at the Basillica was composed of Rome’s homeless, migrants, transgender and gay people and the poor, the ones so often forgotten in the pomp and circumstance of tradition. They were Francis’ congregation. Let’s hope the Church can see that this pope tried to follow the teachings of Christ.”
So moving and fitting. The people at the margins were his people for sure.
The world is fortunate that people like Pope Francis adhere to principles of decency that is so lacking in many leaders.
Yes! We need more like him!
Thank you for your beautiful, heartfelt message reminding us what is really important in life. Pope Francis' example is such a stark contrast to the actions of our current administration. You said it so well.
Thank you so much, Faith. Yes, the contrast was striking. We'll see what happens next. No matter who they choose for the next Pope, though, I will always remember that foot washing ritual at the youth detention facility!