From the very beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis carried the weight of the Church with humility and grace. He chose simplicity over grandeur, compassion over judgment, and dialogue over division. He reminded us of the heart of the Gospel, care for the poor, mercy for the broken, and love for all.
As a Catholic at heart, born and bred, I find that my faith constantly shapes the way I see growth, resilience, and purpose. The teachings of the Church rooted in love, discipline, and service remind me daily that progress isn't just about achieving more, but becoming more: more patient, more kind, more forgiving. Pope Francis often spoke of faith as a journey, not of perfection, but of mercy and transformation. In Evangelii Gaudium, "The Joy of the Gospel", Pope Francis’ 2013 apostolic exhortation, he reminds us that “time is greater than space,” teaching us that we are called to sow seeds of goodness patiently, even when results aren’t immediate. That wisdom grounds me especially on days when progress feels slow. My Catholic faith, then, becomes more than tradition; it is my compass and my calm, quietly guiding me to live with clarity, humility, and hope. It doesn’t make life perfect, but it gives me clarity when the road gets hard and hope when the future feels uncertain.
I feel this loss of the Bishop of Rome deeply. We have not just lost a Pope; we have lost a shepherd whose voice reminded us that holiness begins with humility, that faith is active, and that hope is not just a feeling, but a mission.
Pope Francis taught us that the Church is not a museum of saints but a field hospital for the wounded. He believed in progress rooted in grace, and in truth told gently. His leadership was not without challenge, but always with purpose: to bring the Church closer to Christ’s heart.
In his final Easter message, Pope Francis proclaimed:
“Christ is risen! These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life. Easter is the celebration of life! God created us for life and wants the human family to rise again! In his eyes, every life is precious!”
These words now resonate as a poignant farewell, encapsulating his enduring message of hope and the sanctity of life.
And perhaps now more than ever, we are reminded: It’s the journey that makes life, life, because it’s in the journey that everything happens. Pope Francis lived that truth with every step, every word, every embrace of those on the margins.
Today, I join millions in praying:
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Requiescat in pace, Papa Franciscus. You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith.
Ashley D. Mwanza
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