The death of Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, after having shared greetings with throngs of pilgrims, is a poignant commentary on his life and ministry. A pope of the people, Francis led the Roman Catholic Church to remember the Bible and Jesus’ teachings to protect the vulnerable in our communities, including the unhoused, the incarcerated, and immigrants. Notably, just last year on Maundy Thursday, Pope Francis washed the feet of twelve women incarcerated in a prison in Rome. This was the first time women had been included in this beloved papal tradition.
As global politics have swung in a populist and nationalist vein, anti-immigrant rhetoric has been on the rise, Francis’s teaching has been squarely at odds with many world leaders. Importantly, he did not flinch from his calling and his interpretation of the faith. While people of progressive and liberative faith witness certainly found areas to disagree with in Francis’s teachings, his commitment to the call to side with the vulnerable, love foreigners, advocate for refugees of war, and protect immigrants bears an enduring and indelible legacy.
Eden Seminary extends heartfelt condolences to all Roman Catholic siblings during these days of great loss and grief. We honor Pope Francis’s teaching and example as a follower of Jesus for all the world’s Christians.
