Statement on the Death of Pope Francis
When Pope Francis first appeared on the papal balcony wearing a simple white cassock, his own brown shoes, eschewing the red cape with white fur trimming, I was surprised. Then when he asked the crowd for their blessing before he gave them his own, I knew we were on the brink of something radically different from the papal visuals of the past.
He continued to shape the office of Pope: moving into Casa Santa Marta guesthouse instead of the papal apartments, performing the annual Holy Thursday washing of the feet rituals with local prisoners, and surprising everyone with his “Who am I to judge?” comment on the subject of sexual orientation. This Argentinian Jesuit was bringing his own life beliefs and commitments to the role.
He spoke strongly and often about the plight of migrants and refugees throughout the world. His two most recognized encyclicals, “Fratelli Tutti” (on the family of humanity) and “Laudato Si” (on the value and care for the earth) addressed current worldwide social problems and issues, with a spirituality lens of course, but also with a contemporary knowledge for the concerns of God’s people—who are all people.
Although Francis addressed the roles of the offices of the Roman Curia and encouraged his priests to be shepherds, not aristocrats, he also continued the Church’s commitment to root out abuse inside its own structures.
His commitment to poverty and mercy is a large part of his legacy, but he falls short on actions for and about women. As I have written of this papacy, “The call for women in official positions at higher echelons in the church is promised—but ignored. Women have nothing to do with the theological commissions where decisions are made that affect the spiritual lives of their half of the church.” The roles of women in the Church remain minimal and largely unchanged from those of his predecessors.
But perhaps his lasting mark on the Church will come from the College of Cardinals itself, as they select his successor. The 163 men who were named Cardinals under Francis represent 75 countries, 1/3 of them having never had a church official of this rank before. Nearly 80% of the electors (those under age 80) at the next conclave will be Francis-appointed, representing all corners of the Catholic faith around the globe. This “gift” from Francis assures the continuance of not only his own philosophies but those of the Vatican II Council which he espoused.
Requiescat in pace, dear brother. Thank you for bringing a contemporary consciousness to the Church and modeling actions that support that. May your spirit continue that enlivenment into the future.
Joan Chittister, OSB
