I apologize upfront if this post sounds a little emotional, but I cannot help it. As I was driving to the airport last Monday morning, I heard on the radio that Pope Francis had passed away earlier that day in Rome. I had to immediately pull off the road and try to control my emotions. Given that he was 88 years old and had double pneumonia, it wasn’t a surprise that he was near death, but I was still overwhelmed.

When I say that I met him “only once” (and at a distance at that), it brings back the memory of when Julie, the children, and I visited Philadelphia a few years after he became pope. He was more than a block away in a small vehicle waving to thousands of people, but I had a true sense he saw me and personally waved back directly to me. (I think most of the crowd thought he was waving back just to them as well). 😁

In a world deeply short of values based leaders, he was always the best example I could think of. He truly represented all four of my values based principles:

  • Self reflection: He was remarkably self-aware and focused on what truly mattered. He encouraged all of us not to get wrapped up in material possessions and set an excellent example. His simple casket has only his Latin name, “Franciscus,” engraved on it along with a small rose.
  • Balanced perspective: He truly took the time to understand multiple perspectives and was a living example of my very favorite Saint Francis quote: “Seek to understand before you understood.” In a world of remarkable polarization of people on the far right and the far left, he always focused on trying to find a middle ground to bring everyone together, regardless of their individual faith or religion.
  • True self-confidence: He was never afraid to tell the truth, even if it was on subjects that senior world leaders didn’t want to hear.
  • Genuine humility: He shocked the world by wanting to live simply and treating everyone regardless of title or level as equals. Every time I look at the picture below and see the smile on the guard’s face, I cannot help but chuckle.

Waiting for Pope Francis at Independence Hall in Philadelphia

Here are a few of Pope Francis’ quotes, and you can find many more at this link:

“The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness.”

“A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.”

“Too often we participate in the globalization of indifference. May we strive instead to live global solidarity.”

“Let us care for one another and let us be loving custodians of creation.” (2nd Tweet as Pope)

“Kindness is firm and persevering intention to always will the good of others, even the unfriendly.”

“We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace.”

“We will never be disillusioned or lose our way if we are guided by God.”

“We all have the duty to do good.”

“Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason.”

One more example of what Pope Francis represented, following is a note I received from Father Bradley Zamora, my good friend and the chaplain at NU Sheil Catholic Center:

 

Dear Harry,

With hearts heavy in mourning yet full of profound gratitude, our campus Catholic community joins the chorus of voices around the world—disciples and people of goodwill alike—in lifting prayers of thanksgiving for the life and ministry of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

His passing leaves an ache in our souls. We grieve not only the loss of a Pope but of a spiritual father whose life was a radiant testimony to mercy, humility, and compassion. As a Jesuit, priest, Archbishop, Cardinal, and finally as the Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis gave himself tirelessly for the sake of the Church and the world. His words stirred hearts; his actions challenged us to reach out to everyone leaving no one behind. Through him, we saw the face of a shepherd who walked with his flock with closeness, mercy, tenderness and an unwavering hope in the mercy of God.

In these sacred days of Easter, we are reminded of the Risen Christ—a presence Pope Francis carried so vividly in his eyes, his gestures, and his unwavering love for those on the peripheries. He did not just speak of Jesus; he revealed Him. He knew Jesus. And in doing so, he invited us all to walk more intentionally into the mystery of a Love that is alive.

His legacy is not one we simply admire from afar—it is one that has shaped us, inspired us, and called us to more. In his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Christus Vivit, he told young people:

“The very first truth I would tell each of you is this: ‘God loves you’. It makes no difference whether you have already heard it or not. I want to remind you of it. God loves you. Never doubt this, whatever may happen to you in life. At every moment, you are infinitely loved.”

Pope Francis, gracias por todo. Thank you for embodying this truth so fully—for letting your life speak love into a world so hungry for it. Thank you for showing us how to walk with one another, to listen with the heart, and to proclaim the Gospel not just with words, but with presence.

Now, as you are received into the arms of the Father whom you served so faithfully, may you behold the infinite love you spent your life proclaiming.

On the journey together,

Father Bradley Zamora

Chaplain, Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University

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