Bear's Blog

Certain moments bring the whole world together; a global consciousness arises focused on a singular event or person. The death of Pope Francis is one of those. He exemplified Catholic ideals; universal values of love, service, compassion and courage. An unexpected choice, he was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American Pope. He continued to surprise his entire papacy! In an indication of what was to come he took the name of Saint Francis of Assisi, who embraced humanity and all of creation.

St. Francis of Assisi renounced a life of privilege for one of poverty and service to others. He is the patron saint of animals and ecology! The modern Francis initially refused the luxurious papal apartments for a more modest Casa. He was outspoken about the urgency to address climate change and didn’t shy away from controversy (contrary to church policy).

A champion of the most vulnerable, especially  immigrants, he was not afraid to speak truth to power and aggression. When children were bombed in Gaza, he said “This is not war. This is cruelty.”  He called Gaza’s only Catholic church almost every day since Oct 9, 2023, asking after the 500 people taking refuge there! He constantly advocated for ceasefires and aid, calling Ukraine and Gaza “two failures of humanity.” 

In terms of the actual institution, Pope Francis was not radical, but inclusive. He softened doctrine by inviting women to more fully participate (but not become priests); allowed same sex couples to be blessed (but not gay marriage); and consoled those abused by priests, but didn’t introduce safeguards.

This year Pope Francis wrote the prayers and reflections for the stations of the cross on Good Friday himself. Here are a few of his last words to us: “Today’s builders of Babel tell us that there is no room for losers, and that those who fall along the way are losers. Theirs is the construction site of hell.” Also: “God’s economy, on the either hand, does not kill, discard or crush. It is lowly, faithful to the earth.” I noticed in particular his mention of the earth, and being faithful to it. 

Every Holy Thursday, Pope Francis washes the feet of inmates at a prison. He said he asks himself “why them and not me?” It’s a symbolic gesture of lowering himself, versus the self aggrandizement so often on display among leaders. (The same day Republicans from Congress were doing "thumbs up" photo ops in front of prisoners in El Salvador.)

Not surprisingly, he was considered political for embracing Christian values of social justice. Enter players from stage right… who launched conspiracies, campaigned against and personally demonized him. Steve Bannon, the architect of MAGA, proclaimed the Pope needed to “clean up the swamp”. He actually bought an Italian monastery to create a school for the  next gen "populist national sovereignty movement” leaders. Bannon wants to do to the Vatican what he did to the Republican Party!

God help us! Or the next Pope? Turns out Pope Francis, the original “DEI” candidate, continues to support that momentum even after his death. During his papacy he appointed 80% of the cardinals who will vote for the next Pope. Smoke, (mirrors?) and mystery still surround the Conclave.  

Working and in public til his last day, Pope Francis died on Pasquetta, or “little easter”.  It's interesting that every 25 years, thousands of the faithful pilgrimage to Italy for the Catholic Jubilee. That means they're all present for the passing of this most charismatic, inspiring spiritual leader! In 2025, the Jubilee theme is appropriately faith and hope. 

Pope Francis's presence was a gift to the world. His life was an example of true greatness coupled with humility. We are now witnessing - and part of - an outpouring of love and appreciation as the whole world mourns.

Peace, love and healing -

Bear

Interested in my energetic insights into the pope? Click here