A Tale of Two Leaders
Pope grief and how to die well
I like many people around the globe where shocked to wave up to the news on Easter Monday that Pope Francis had died.
My feelings are all over the map (along with it being that time of the month probably does not help). I feel sadness, gratitude, nervous, and hopeful for the life of the Church of which I am a member.
I feel as though a beloved uncle or my favorite grandparent has died. While Pope Francis is the third pope of my lifetime as a Catholic, I feel like he is the Pope of my adult faith. A faith that has shifted, evolved and matured as I have gotten older. My faith is better for it and I think we all are better for his wider, pastoral approach to people, culture, and the many complexities of being a human being.
Between the tears and sadness, I am finding comfort in the many, many stories and reflections people are sharing about our Holy Father. From global leaders, non-believers, people of goodwill, friends and family in my own circle, Pope Francis had a way of reaching and connecting with people. He truly was a “shepherd with the smell of his sheep.”1 As I reflect on my own experiences of seeing Pope Francis and leading pilgrimage groups to see him and listen to his words, I keep returning to three words/ideas that capture what he meant to me personally.
Humility
Pastoral
He reminded us how to suffer and die. That death is not something to fear.
Humility.
Humility is what defines truly great leaders.
A sharp contrast to our current President Trump who is the complete opposite of humility. Who once said, "Why do I have to repent or ask for forgiveness, if I am not making mistakes?" asked Trump. "I work hard, I'm an honorable person."2
I wholeheartedly assure you Mr. President, you are making mistakes and you are not an honorable man. True masculinity and leadership do not come from aggression and authoritarianism - rather selflessness and willing the good of all people, both of which you know little of.
When Pope Francis stepped out onto the balcony in March 2013, he came clothed in humility. His first action as the successor of St. Peter was asking the crowds of gathered people to bless him, to pray for him. Throughout his pontificate, he led with humility.
I think that is what our world is desperately seeking leaders of all types who lead first with humility.
Pastoral.
Pope Francis led and loved people (all people with a pastoral heart first). He met people where they were, reminding all that no one was ever outside the love and mercy of God. For some conservatives, he was too liberal. For some liberals, he did not make enough change. That is not the point.
He challenged and stretched people, to live the Gospel. To not forget the poor and suffering around the globe. To be mercy first, not judgment.
I wrote a bit more here on how the pastoral approach of Pope Francis has deeply impacted my faith and the way I try to live my life.
And lastly, I think Pope Francis taught us some beautiful final lessons on how to suffer and die, to not be afraid of death as an ending, but a beautiful beginning.
Watching his Easter address, it was very easy to see how weak and tired he was. And yet, he came to bless his people.
When considering through the Square to surprise the crowds, he asked his healthcare assistant, “Do you think I can manage it?” Almost as if to say, he knew the ending was coming soon. And after the final drive turned and said, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.”3
I think the greatest fear in modern culture is that of suffering and death. IN many ways, we try to avoid it at all possible cost. We flee from the tiniest hint of discomfort or suffering that should touch our lives.
And yet, to suffer with faith in Jesus is never isolating or lonely. Why? Because Jesus knows what it is to suffer and he never asks anything of us that he first did not model to us by his own life. We do not have to be afraid of suffering or death, because Jesus walked the path first for us and showed us how to.
In a culture that very often treats human life (at all stages) cheaply, this is lesson we cannot breeze over.
Suffering and death are not something to run away from when we approach it faith.
Like many, I will wake up early at 4am on Saturday to watch the funeral and pray with people around the globe for the repose of his soul and pray for the conclave that will begin in the near future.
Jesus, thank you for the gift of your servant Jorge Mario Bergoglio. His life was a gift to the Church. All of us are better for it.
Please raise up another prophetic voice in these challenging times for the world and the Church.
Amen.
Reflecting with you,
Patty