I am a graduate of a Jesuit high school. Those four years were the most important of my many years of formal education by far. I remember when Francis was elected pope. I assumed he chose his name after one of the leading Jesuits, Francis Xavier, but thought to myself: "Wouldn't it be good if he chose his papal name to honor Francis of Assisi?" I was very soon delighted to learn that that is precisely what he did.
One step on the sidewalk and one on the street, pretty much sums up my inner Catholic before Francis. After he was elected, things went back to level for me, the living Church of John XXIII and Paul VI was back on. Kindness, helping people with no means, pastoralism, were suddenly a lot more important than dogma again... I'll be probably ruing this sad day
As a non-Catholic agnostic, I echo Jen’s comment that Francis was most beloved by non-Catholics, non-Christians. He tried to live as an example of the best in humanity and will be sorely missed in these troubled times.
I grew up in WV in the '50s, was raised as an Episcopalian, and although I haven't attended services for most of my adult life, that has always been my moral center. It drew me to the Civil Rights Movement in the '60s and '70s, and in later life to support minorities, social activism, and the oppressed. Politically, Democrats came closest to my supporting views, the last Republican I remember voting for was Senator Chuck Percy, who represented Illinois in the '80s.
My first warm feelings for the Roman Catholic Church were during my time in the Civil Rights Movement, when some of their young priests were stepping up bigtime in the South, in Chicago, and in Cairo, IL. When I worked in the Movement there, I slept on the floor of the Roman Catholic rectory, and on the floor of the church next door. It was the center of the movement there. The priests with whom I worked there were Father Gerald Montroy and Father Ben Bodewes. Father Michael Pfleger and Father George Clements were doing great things in Chicago.
I was thrilled by the elevation of Pope Francis, and his subsequent papacy. I view him as one of a handful of the greatest men of my time on this earth, up there with Ghandi and Dr. King. We have lost a giant. Like them, he was a man of faith, but also of great courage, foresight, and wisdom. Not only Roman Catholics, but all people of good will are mourning his loss. This has been a very sad day for me.
I am a graduate of a Jesuit high school. Those four years were the most important of my many years of formal education by far. I remember when Francis was elected pope. I assumed he chose his name after one of the leading Jesuits, Francis Xavier, but thought to myself: "Wouldn't it be good if he chose his papal name to honor Francis of Assisi?" I was very soon delighted to learn that that is precisely what he did.
One step on the sidewalk and one on the street, pretty much sums up my inner Catholic before Francis. After he was elected, things went back to level for me, the living Church of John XXIII and Paul VI was back on. Kindness, helping people with no means, pastoralism, were suddenly a lot more important than dogma again... I'll be probably ruing this sad day
As a non-Catholic agnostic, I echo Jen’s comment that Francis was most beloved by non-Catholics, non-Christians. He tried to live as an example of the best in humanity and will be sorely missed in these troubled times.
Mercy, humility, compassion,service and all those solar panels on the Vatican!
Excellent, thank you, Jen!
I grew up in WV in the '50s, was raised as an Episcopalian, and although I haven't attended services for most of my adult life, that has always been my moral center. It drew me to the Civil Rights Movement in the '60s and '70s, and in later life to support minorities, social activism, and the oppressed. Politically, Democrats came closest to my supporting views, the last Republican I remember voting for was Senator Chuck Percy, who represented Illinois in the '80s.
My first warm feelings for the Roman Catholic Church were during my time in the Civil Rights Movement, when some of their young priests were stepping up bigtime in the South, in Chicago, and in Cairo, IL. When I worked in the Movement there, I slept on the floor of the Roman Catholic rectory, and on the floor of the church next door. It was the center of the movement there. The priests with whom I worked there were Father Gerald Montroy and Father Ben Bodewes. Father Michael Pfleger and Father George Clements were doing great things in Chicago.
I was thrilled by the elevation of Pope Francis, and his subsequent papacy. I view him as one of a handful of the greatest men of my time on this earth, up there with Ghandi and Dr. King. We have lost a giant. Like them, he was a man of faith, but also of great courage, foresight, and wisdom. Not only Roman Catholics, but all people of good will are mourning his loss. This has been a very sad day for me.
Wonderful interview, Jen. Thanks to the Contrarian for doing great work covering the pope's passing.
Thank you for commemorating Pope Francis in this way. Certainly hope that the 'greater openness' continues.
Thank-you from a cradle Catholic for this excellent interview.