Pontifex

Carrying out the instructions of Jesus to feed his sheep was an important part of Pope Francis’ ministry these last 12 years, as he sought to bring people back to the church, the big tent, as he referred to it, with room for everyone. One of the titles of the pope is Pontifex Maximus, literally chief bridge builder. Francis was a builder of bridges, trying to unite people who were at odds with each other over ethnic, religious, and political issues.

He succeeded in some ways and failed in others, just as in the early Church, but he was humble enough to know that he lived in service of God’s people and that God would bring good out of his efforts. He spent all of his energy, sometimes against medical advice, up until the day he died, being with the people, loving them and reaching out to them. He truly was a people’s pope.

The early Church entered into the future with trust in the guiding and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis entered into his pontificate with great trust in the word of God and in the guidance of the Spirit.

While we don’t know exactly what the future will bring, either on the global scene or on the local scene, the history of our faith shows us that if we live as Pope Francis did, trying to see the Lord’s presence in the world and people around us, reaching out to those who are hurting, trusting in God’s word and God’s presence, and caring for each other, then we will see new life in our midst—to be sure, with steps backward and steps forward—but new life, animated by the Spirit of the risen Lord. May the Lord continue to walk with us on our journey.