From the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee

Remembering Pope Francis 

On May 8, after seeing the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, we waited with excitement for the new Pope to step out onto the balcony. When Pope Leo XIV appeared, his first words were, “Peace be to all of you!” He then went on to recall the “ever courageous voice of Pope Francis.” 

As we look forward to Pope Leo’s pontificate with hope and excitement, let us not forget the courageous voice of Pope Francis. Pope Leo thanked Pope Francis for his shepherding of God’s people. In his 12 years as Pope, Francis gave witness to Jesus Christ in so many ways. He spoke courageously and prophetically for the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the forgotten. He promoted peace and an end of violence. He spoke of God’s mercy and compassion. He shared that message of hope.  

As he addressed the pastors of the church, Francis challenged them to “smell like the sheep” they were called to serve. It was obvious to Pope Francis that anyone who ministers with God’s people needs to be with them, walking with them, accompanying them. 

His first visit as Pope was to the island of Lampedusa, where migrants and refugees, desperate for a better life, often fleeing hunger and persecution, came from Africa to Europe. In his visit to the Mexico-U.S. border, he spoke of building bridges, not walls. And he continued to advocate for the migrants and refugees in the face of mass deportations. 

In his life he remembered those who are often marginalized in society. When asked by the press about LGBTQ people, his response was, “Who am I to judge?” How did these simple words challenge our own prejudices and judgments? 

Pope Francis was the first Pope to write about Care for our Common Home in his encyclical Laudato SI’. This encyclical is now 10 years old and continues to challenge us to change our lifestyles so that we care for all of God’s creation and for our common home.  

Pope Francis demonstrated throughout his papacy his love for God’s people, especially the poor and the vulnerable. We thank you, Pope Francis, for your courage, your prophetic voice, your work for peace and an end to violence. We thank you, Pope Francis, for your mercy and compassion. We are grateful, Pope Francis, for your example of witness to Jesus and discipleship. 

Gabino Zavala, JPIC Director