A Tribute to Pope Francis, the People's Pope
Issue #134
I had planned to send out something completely different for today’s newsletter, but given the sad news of the death of Pope Francis on Monday, I decided it would be more appropriate to dedicate today’s issue to him. I certainly won’t attempt to eulogize him, as it isn’t my place to do so, but as a Rome resident, I am deeply saddened by his death, which represents a profound loss not just for the city and not just for Italy but for the world.
I’m not Catholic and am no expert on the Church, but I admired his progressive outlook. Having grown up watching the priest abuse scandal unfold in Boston, where my father was one of the lawyers involved in the cases that inspired the 2015 film Spotlight, I admired Francis for finally moving the Church in the right direction.
Sometimes nicknamed “the People’s Pope,” Francis was the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to reach the summit of the papacy. He preached peace and tolerance, including of LGBTQ individuals, migrants, and the poor. His papacy symbolized a return to humility, inclusivity, and community—and he backed up his beliefs with his actions.
When he was elected pope in 2013, he declined to move into the lavish papal apartment on the third floor of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, breaking with more than a century of tradition. Instead, he lived in a humble suite at Casa Santa Marta, the guesthouse where cardinals normally stay during conclaves. And in 2016, he opened the papal summer palace in Castel Gandolfo to the public for the first time in its history.
Though I’m not in Rome this week, I asked a few friends to share a brief tribute to Pope Francis. Here’s what they had to say:
“I called him the revolutionary pope. He opened many positions for women in the Vatican, remembering the Church and mother. Certainly his dedication to the Virgin Mary contributed to his openness to the enormous potential of women in the Church. He will be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore because he wanted to be welcomed by her into heaven. His papacy certainly gave much hope for the incredible potential of women.” — Elisa Valeria Bove, CEO of Roma Experience
“In 2013, I saw the white smoke blow high above Rome to announce his election during the last conclave. I heard the bells ring. I went to St. Peter’s Square to see him the first time he addressed the pilgrims and the public—not because I’m a devout Catholic (I was raised Catholic, yes) but because events like this remind you how small man is in the shadow of history. I’ve since seen him deliver his angelus’ standing in St. Peter’s square. And I walked in silence with so many others to the Vatican on the night of 21 April, the day he passed.
His death, on the day of Rome’s birthday, during Easter and a holy jubilee year no less, holds much weight and significance. These moments are historic and iconic and the announcement has made a world—that doesn’t often do so—stop, even if for a fleeting moment. Like him or not (I have my issues with his pontefice and the institution), he was quite a progressive pope with much of his philosophy for reform during his papacy met with resistance from within. A new pope and reign will dawn but until then, RIP Bergoglio.” — Maria Pasquale, Rome-based author and journalist
“Pope Francis was elected exactly when I moved to Rome in 2013. I was living through a difficult period, and I didn’t follow his election, but I was present when he was inaugurated at San Giovanni. That moment was very important for me and what I was going through, which I managed to overcome. I disagreed with some things he said during his lifetime, but I was in line with his thoughts on migrants, peace, and what’s happening in the Middle East. He was progressive, changing many things in the Vatican, and I have always esteemed him for this. He tried and in many ways he succeeded. I hope that whoever follows him won’t undo all the work he did but will continue to follow his path.” — Isabella Calidonna, Rome-based founder of ArcheoRunning
“I don’t think I’ve come across an Italian, whether they’re observant, mass-attending Catholics or not, who wasn’t fond of Pope Francis and who isn’t at least a little sad about his death. The passing of a pope always marks the end of one era and the start of a new one, so here’s hoping the conclave chooses someone with the same level of humility, humanity, and commitment to the betterment of humankind.” — Elizabeth Heath, Umbria-based journalist and founder of Villaggio Tours
During this sad period of mourning, I hope people will come together to honor a man who used his enormous power and influence to make the world a better place. Please feel free to leave your own tribute to Pope Francis in the comments.
Further Reading
I’ve been working with my editor at the Points Guy this week to update this article about the Jubilee in Rome with information about what to expect if you’re visiting the city and are planning to go to the Vatican.
Last fall, I visited the papal summer palace in Castel Gandolfo on assignment for Italy Magazine’s special Vatican City issue of Bellissimo—a visit made possible by Pope Francis, who opened the palace to the public for the first time in its history. You can download the full issue here (it’s free!).
My colleagues at Italy Magazine shared more about the pope’s life and legacy here.
Love this-- despite all of his recent struggles, I was so shocked to see this news, particularly after his appearance on Easter Sunday. Just in the short time we've been living at Borgo Pio, he felt like a neighbor. Thanks for writing this....
Thank you for writing this. Please also tell your father, my mother, who was a devout Catholic loved the movie Spotlight and would appreciate his part in that story.