Rev. Fr. Jayapalan Raphael, SDB
Rector
Pope Francis: A Legacy of Humility, Compassion, and Reform
My dear young friends,
Greetings. An era has come to an end. Pope Francis is no more on earth. His papacy has been marked by significant reforms and a shift in the Catholic Church’s tone and approach to the world. I would like to highlight his notable qualities that set him apart from his predecessors:
- Humility and Simplicity: He chose to live in a humble guesthouse within Vatican City, Domus Sanctae Marthae, instead of the grand Apostolic Palace. He also opted for a simple Fiat car over luxury vehicles and often ate with staff and clergy in the communal canteen.
Compassion and Empathy: Pope Francis has shown deep love for the poor and has challenged the status quo in meaningful ways. He’s also been pastoral and loving towards those involved in deep-seated sin, emphasizing God’s mercy and tenderness. - Reform and Adaptability: He’s removed unnecessary formality and 16th century royal protocol from papal affairs, making the Church more relatable and accessible. Pope Francis has also made some modest reforms to the Vatican Bank, adding external audit mechanisms and appointing laypeople to key roles.
- Openness and Dialogue: He’s engaged in conversations with people from different backgrounds and faiths, promoting understanding and inclusivity. For instance, he met with Evangelical leaders and welcomed dialogue with those who don’t agree with Catholic teachings.
- Pastoral Approach: Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of accompaniment and mercy in his ministry, encouraging priests to be “shepherds living with the smell of the sheep”. He’s also spoken about the need for the Church to be a “field hospital” that tends to the wounded and the vulnerable.
- Advocacy for the Marginalized: He’s spoken out against issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, framing them as moral and spiritual crises. Pope Francis has also been a vocal critic of “ideological colonialism” and the imposition of Western philosophies on developing countries.
The end of Pope Francis’s era will likely have a lasting impact on the Catholic Church, shaping its direction and tone for years to come. His legacy will be closely watched by Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We have a great model to follow. I wish for all of us to pick up these qualities for ourselves.
May Pope Francis rest in peace and intercede for the Church, for the world, for us, for our families, for the new Generation, for the technology-ridden world slowly yet definitely regressing to barbarism!
I wish you all a relaxed summer holiday, with your families and friends. God bless you all
Yours affectionately in Don Bosco,
