Pope Francis (1936-2025)
22/04/25 05:09
April 22, 2025 (Vol. 19 No. 18) - His death shouldn't have come as a surprise. After all, Pope Francis had been in failing health for some time. Still, his passing on Easter Monday came as a shock to many, especially after his greeting the throngs in Vatican City on Easter morning and his surprise meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance. I am not Catholic. However, I am married to a Catholic and my late first wife was also Catholic. As a confirmed Episcopalian, you might say that I am "Catholic light." For that reason, I pay close attention to the Pontiff who sits on St. Peter's throne. I very much liked Pope Francis, primarily because he was a Franciscan, meaning he put spirituality and humanity ahead of the trappings of his high office. At a time in world history when human beings have demonstrated a shocking capacity for hurting one another, this Pope's compassion and empathy toward the downtrodden and suffering was a welcome relief. Nor was he afraid to speak truth to power. On his very last day on earth, he spoke up for the immigrants who flee oppression in their homelands only to have barriers thrown in their paths where they seek refuge. His calmness and serenity stood in sharp contrast to the chaos we are experiencing here and in other nations. Was Pope Francis without fault? No one is. For example, his response to the church's ongoing sexual abuse scandals had been underwhelming. However, from this non-Catholic's perspective, Pope Francis was the right person at the right time for his very important job. Even to non-Catholics, the person who serves as Pope, the moral leader among 1.6 billion Catholics worldwide, matters. The Pope carries with him a moral authority that few other world leaders enjoy. Here's hoping that the next Pope will speak with the humility and humanity with which Pope Francis blessed us. That's it for now. Fear the Turtle. Photo courtesy Time