The news of Pope Francis’ passing shocked the world, but his message of love, peace, and kindness lives on.
Like Pope Francis, you may face challenges, but you’re not alone in wanting to make a difference.
This article will show how Pope Francis’ ideas can guide you in bringing change. We’ll cover:
- Helping the poor
- Caring for the Earth
- Bringing different faiths together
- Making positive changes in the Church
Keep reading to learn how you can follow his example. By following these steps, you can help make the world a kinder, more peaceful place.
1. Pope Francis’ Humble Beginning
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, was the oldest of five children in an Italian immigrant family. He worked in his family’s store, played soccer, and danced the tango.
Though he went to church, he wasn’t very religious until a powerful experience during confession as a teenager. In 1969, Bergoglio was ordained as a priest. Four years later, he became the head of the Jesuits in Argentina.
In 1998, he became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In 2001, Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal. In 2013, Bergoglio became the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from Latin America.
Pope Francis was known for his message of love, mercy, and peace. He works to bring people together in a divided world. He also helped restore diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.
2. The World According to Francis
Voice for the Poor: Pope Francis is often called “the Pope of the Poor.” He speaks out for refugees and wants the world to be fairer, especially for people who have less.
Caring for the Planet: In 2015, he wrote Laudato Si’, a letter about climate change. He said it’s not just a political topic—it’s a moral one. He urged countries to protect the Earth, put people before profit, and warned about the world’s “ecological debt.”
A Kinder Approach to LGBTQ+ Catholics: Francis used gentler words when talking about LGBTQ+ people. When asked about gay Catholics, he famously said, “Who am I to judge?”
Reforms in the Church: He made big changes inside the Church. He launched financial reforms at the Vatican to make things more open and honest. He also gave more Church jobs to regular people and women than any pope before him.
Bringing Peace Across Faiths: He visited dangerous places like Myanmar and the Central African Republic to talk about peace. He also met with leaders from different religions and signed a peace agreement in Abu Dhabi. His message was clear: “Let us be builders of bridges, not walls.”
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3. What Comes Next for the Catholic Church?
Pope Francis has passed away, and the Catholic Church must choose a new leader. His appointments of progressive cardinals will influence the selection. The new Pope will face challenges like declining attendance, past abuse issues, and the need for modernization.
The College of Cardinals will vote for the next Pope. These are high-ranking Church leaders from all over the world. They will meet at the Vatican for the conclave.
The conclave usually starts 15 to 20 days after the Pope dies. But since 2013, it can begin sooner if the cardinals agree. Only cardinals under 80 can vote. Of the 252 cardinals, 138 are eligible to vote.
Until a new Pope is chosen, the College of Cardinals runs the Church. They handle the daily work. But they can’t make big decisions. Vatican leaders also step down. The new Pope will choose who stays and who goes.
Pope Francis Gone but Never Forgotten: A Recap
Although Pope Francis is no longer with us, his impact on the Church and the world remains strong. His focus on helping the poor, promoting peace, and fostering better understanding between different faiths has left a lasting legacy.
His reforms and openness to change have shaped the Catholic Church and inspired people everywhere.
Even after his passing, his messages of compassion, unity, and love will continue to guide the world and inspire future generations.