On March 13, 2013, my mother and I were eagerly watching TV, waiting for the introduction of a new pope. We were glued to the TV as we did not want to miss a thing! My daughter, Kathleen, was in kindergarten. Each day, I would meet her as she got off the bus. On this particular afternoon, I hurried her off the bus and walked briskly back home. Kathleen asked why we were walking so fast. I explained that a new pope was being introduced and did not want to miss it. In her excited 6-year-old voice, she said, “Well, RUN!”
The excitement and anticipation we felt that day were not just about witnessing a historical event but about welcoming a new spiritual leader who would profoundly impact our lives. Pope Francis, from the moment he stepped onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, brought with him a sense of hope, humility, and compassion that resonated deeply with people around the world.
I asked Kathleen later that day what her thoughts were on seeing Pope Francis for the first time, and I journaled her response. I am pleased to share it with you today: “When Pope Francis came out on the balcony, it was super exciting! Everyone was waiting to see him, and it felt like something really awesome was happening.” She continued, “When he finally appeared, he looked so kind and gentle, like he really cared about everyone. He looked like he could be everyone’s grandpa!”
Pope Francis’ life was a testament to living with purpose and dedication. He showed us that our actions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact. His commitment to peace, dialogue, and reconciliation reminds us to strive to live intentionally and make a positive difference in the world.
Pope Francis strongly emphasized the importance of family values. He often spoke about the need to rediscover the beauty and value of family life despite the challenges and changes families face today. For me, his teachings highlighted the significance of marriage and the family as foundational elements of society. He encouraged families to foster relationships of love, trust, and cooperation, which he believed were essential for happiness and social harmony.
His advice on family life was practical and heartfelt. He often shared simple yet profound wisdom, such as the importance of saying “may I,” “thank you,” and “sorry” within the family. These words, he believed, were key to living in peace and joy. He also emphasized the importance of making peace before the end of each day, a practice that helps protect love and maintain harmony.
I most admired that Pope Francis emphasized the importance of learning from the simplicity and purity of children He reminded children that they have something valuable to contribute to the world and invited them to repeat phrases such as “Life is a stupendous gift.” I enjoyed watching and reading about his interactions with children as it highlighted his belief in the power of their dreams and the purity of their emotions, which he saw as essential qualities for fostering peace and hope in a divided world.
As I look back on Pope Francis’ life and legacy, I am reminded of the transformative power of humility, compassion, and purpose. His journey from humble beginnings to global spiritual leadership is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the world. Let us carry forward his lessons and strive to live with love, empathy, and a commitment to justice.