After seeing the Pope greet the crowds on Easter Sunday I’m sure that few expected to hear of his death the following day. I understand that his attendance on Easter Sunday was against medical advice as he continued to recover from his recent stay in hospital for pneumonia. The preparations for his funeral are now taking shape. Whilst he will have the funeral service that befits a world-wide leader with various dignitaries attending, he has requested to be buried in a plain coffin in the Basilica of St Mary Major rather than in the crypt of St Peters Basilica where previous Pope’s have been buried. He also requested that whilst lying in state his body should not be elevated but at a height where people could see him.

 

Of course, I have witnessed the death and subsequent burials of previous Pope’s but somehow this feels different. I can’t recall so many non-Catholics taking such an interest in the death of a Pope previously and it feels as though a light has been dimmed with his death. It feels as though we are seeing the same response as when Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022. Whilst Queen Elizabeth came from a privileged background, Pope Francis came from Latin America where he witnessed many people living in destitution and poverty. Both from very different backgrounds but who served their people in the roles that they were called to. 

 

During his papacy Pope Francis sought to stand alongside those who were often overlooked by other people in society. He encouraged interreligious dialogue and I have seen reports in recent days of his meetings with those who worked at the Methodist Ecumenical Office in Rome. I’m sure that some of his appeal was his more informal approach to the papacy. There is a lot of evidence of his humility.

 

When you read this, it will be a week since we were celebrating Easter – a time when we remember Jesus showing his humility by taking our place on the cross. The Son of God was born as a child in a human family. When Herod decreed that all boys under the age of three should be killed, his family became refugees in Egypt. During his three years of ministry, he didn’t choose people who were rich, or who had influence, were the best qualified for the role but chose those who many thought were worthless. Jesus didn’t have the qualities that people were expecting the Messiah to have. 

 

Jesus and Pope Francis went to those who needed God the most; they went to the people who had nothing and they served those whom society disregarded. The world needs leaders like Jesus and Pope Francis who show and demonstrate love to those who are often ostracised by the leaders who want prestige and power. As we continue to celebrate the risen Christ may we follow the example of Pope Francis and Jesus by spreading God’s love and hope that is offered to all through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

 

As followers of Christ, we are witnesses not only to his death but also to his rising in glory. May we be willing to make the sacrifices required ‘to learn how to serve (Christ) and in our lives enthrone him, each other’s needs to prefer, for it is Christ we’re serving.’ (Servant King by Graham Kendrick)

 

God bless,

 

Lynda