In 2014, Pope Francis convened bishops from around the world for what became colloquially known as the Synod on the Family. The gathering was partly designed to address issues related to human sexuality.
All eyes were on Francis, who had ascended to the papacy the year before. The world watched to see whether his leadership would signal a shift on this and other highly charged social conversations. In an op-ed for The Washington Post describing the synod, David Cloutier burst the bubble for many, both those hoping for progress and those wanting more traditional beliefs to prevail.
“Indeed, if there is a real loser in the synod’s discussions,” Cloutier wrote, “it is the bishops who sought a high-profile position in the culture wars. Francis wants the church to be a ‘field hospital’ for those wounded in our culture and who seek healing, not a mighty warrior whose actions may well add to the wounds.”
In 2015, at the conclusion of another synod session regarding his fiat, “The Gift of Mercy,” Francis put flesh on Cloutier’s words. Rather than returning home for the evening, he made a surprise visit to a newly built dormitory for homeless men. While there, he greeted the shelter’s guests, who, according to Catholic News Agency, were all “visibly moved.”
These actions were not new for Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936. His Jesuit order traditionally avoids positions of power, choosing instead to serve as missionaries, educators and spiritual guides. As the only Jesuit ever to assume the papacy, it quickly became clear the world had a different kind of pope on its hands.
He became well known for championing the causes of outcasts and washing their feet, including those from different faiths, abilities and backgrounds. Although he didn’t change the Church’s teachings on social issues, he drastically altered its tone, calling on Christians to care less about enforcing God’s rules and focus more on embodying God’s love.
The death of Pope Francis on April 21 comes amid great upheaval around the world. Democracies are faltering, despots are rising, and hatred is spreading. We are in dire need of those who will stand up and speak out against evil. But more than that, our primary concern must be for those on the receiving end of violence—whether physical, economic or social.
As we mourn his death and celebrate his life, may we seek to be healers of the wounded, offering not just our prayers but our lives in service to them. This, as Francis knew and practiced, is how we show our love to God.
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Senior Editor at Good Faith Media.
