I was saddened to hear that Pope Francis died on Monday.  As a life-long Protestant there is a great deal that I don’t understand about the Roman Catholic Church when it comes to some beliefs, structure, power dynamics, and so on.  All of that to say, Pope Francis certainly seemed like a good pope to me (albeit from the outside looking in). 

He immediately made headlines as the first pope from Latin America.  Pope Francis had a humble style and a deep concern for the poor.  He even ruffled some feathers by deciding to not live in the traditional papal apartments in Vatican City.  Instead, Pope Francis chose to live at Casa Santa Marta—the Vatican Guest House.  Seemingly he wanted to live in a simpler, more communal setting and be close to fellow clergy and visitors who came to visit the Vatican.  The housing choice perhaps embodied how people came to experience Pope Francis as he was known for being more approachable in general. 

I appreciated a reflection from New York Times writer Gianni Cipriano who has been covering the Vatican since 2000 (during the tenures of three different popes).  Cipriano reflected that Pope Francis was easier to talk to, with less distance between yourself and him.  That he brought empathy and humanity to the Church in surprising ways from the beginning.

Pope Francis was certainly not as progressive as some would have liked, and he was more progressive than some preferred.  Oh, church politics certainly play out no matter what tradition or denomination!  Though it seems that Pope Francis opened up the Roman Catholic Church’s doors a little bit wider.  He was an important moral voice who echoed Jesus’ call to us in Matthew 25:35-36.

“I was hungry and you gave me food to eat.
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink.
I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 
I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear.
I was sick and you took care of me.
I was in prison and you visited me.”

This week (and maybe like you) I’ve been reading some of the tributes to Pope Francis. 
I hope that we can hold our Roman Catholic friends in prayer as they grieve the loss of Pope Francis and then will gather to elect a new leader of the Church.
Let us always be grateful for voices of compassion. 

Love,
Pastor Lauren

Photo by Andy Luo on Unsplash

Thursday Thoughts 4/24/25