In Memoriam : The Legacy of Pope Francis
H.E. Most Rev Dr Alex Vadakumthala, spoke to Shekinah News on the day Pope Francis passed. Below, with his permission, is an excerpt.
Christ’s death is still relevant today; a death that still gives hope to humanity because it is not found in those 14 stations, but at the 15th – it is here that we receive the great message of the resurrection. This is what Pope Francis said while reflecting upon the Stations of the Cross. The great and beautiful message of this Good Friday is the message of hope.
A great spiritual leader, respected all over the world has passed. The prophetic voice of this era has ceased. Even on his last day, during his Easter sermon, Urbi et Orbi, his desire and final wish was for peace in the world. Certainly, the world must consider his last words and remember them.
From 13 March 2013 till 21 April 2025, while God had entrusted to him the pastoral ministry of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, regardless of race or religion, put his time and his voice before the world’s conscience for peace, harmony and brotherhood. Now, when that voice has fallen silent, its echo must remain in our hearts and consciences, especially in those areas where war still rages. The solemn prophetic voice of Pope Francis should resonate in the minds of the rulers who harbour hostile attitudes.
Despite his illness, frailty and hospitalisation, Pope Francis’ mind and heart always stood for the well-being of the entire world. Through his encyclical on fraternity and social friendship, Fratelli Tutti, he laid out that firm conviction that a human culture, unity, and fellowship beyond the boundaries of faith and religion is most essential for this era.
Pope Francis loudly proclaimed to the conscience of the people through the exhortation, Laudato Si, not only for Christians or the Catholic Church, but for the entire world, how imperative it is to protect our common home. This should be a commitment on our part. Laudato Si will complete ten years this 25th May. It was further underlined by the exhortation, Laudato Deum (the praise of God) – that if we do not preserve this lush and green environment around us, it will be the greatest injustice to the next generation. Though he drew his last breath on 21st April, a little after 7.30 in the morning, the echo of his great message reminds the conscience of the world and of each of us. And we must listen to it.
In fact, the whole world has been praying for Pope Francis these days. Since that day in mid-February, when he was admitted to Gemelli Hospital, the world’s attention has been upon him, anxious and concerned. People world over knew how important he was as a leader and a spiritual head for this era, and it brought them together to raise their prayer to heaven.
We can take solace in one thing – he was able to return to the Vatican in the days before Easter. And, was able to continue the great and long tradition by every pope – leading the Way of the Cross during Good Friday.
Christ’s death is still relevant today; a death that still gives hope to humanity because it is not found in those 14 stations, but at the 15th – it is here that we receive the great message of the resurrection. This is what Pope Francis said while reflecting upon the Stations of the Cross. The great and beautiful message of this Good Friday is the message of hope.
Having received the joy of Jesus’ resurrection within himself, and completing the mission God entrusted to him – that of successfully leading the Catholic Church in the way God desired – Pope Francis passed away to be with the Risen Christ. For the message of hope that he gave to the whole world, for the stances he took and his restless work, let us thank Pope Francis.
We must listen, particularly in these times, to the voice of everyone in the Church; that the Church is a Church of community – it was with these thoughts that Pope Francis initiated the Synod on Synodality, which took place from October 2021 to October 2024. It was a process, a period of extensive discussions listening to even the smallest of families, at the diocesan, local, national, and international levels throughout the Catholic Church. Finally, having gathered the voices from across the Church, Pope Francis approved them, recognising in them the need of the times. This was his legacy: giving the Church a clear sense of direction for the coming times. Not just for the world-wide Catholic Church, but through the encyclical Fratelli Tutti, for universal brotherhood, for the communion of believers of all religions, for the status as children of God the Father. At the same time, for the protection of our world. On 21st April, we saw the culmination of a great ministry.
Should we be saddened by the passing of Pope Francis? Of course, when such a great man, such a large-hearted person passes from this world, there is great pain and a pang in our hearts. But, in Pope Francis’ passing, we can be proud that his life and his message were lived in the manner needed for this era.
Remember when he took up this ministry? He said that the cardinals had chosen someone from a corner of the world. In fact, it was God himself who chose. God knew the pastor who had to lead the Church. As St John Paul II said in his apostolic exhortation, Pastores dabo vobis, God is the one who sends shepherds suitable for each age for the Church and society. For our age, and to lead the Church, Pope Francis was the prophetic voice given to us – let us thank God for that.
In my opinion, we have no reason to be sad because his passing was at the time God chose to return to His presence.
Some of Pope Francis’ recent exhortations have been so beautiful. In Dilexut Nos – the exhortation that reminds us of the limitless love of the heart of God, Pope Francis wrote about the human and divine love of Jesus. So let us be grateful for that love. The great ministry of that love has been made available to the Church through Pope Francis.
Hope does not disappoint – Spes non confundit. That is the theme Pope Francis chose for this Jubilee 2025. In this Jubilee Year, we can enter the presence of God with hope. Pope Francis fulfilled his responsibility and bid goodbye by giving the world this great message of hope.
Pope Francis had a few favourite words. One of these has been echoing through the Church: joy. Joy has been the title of many of his exhortations. Gaudete et Exsultate – Rejoice and be glad. No matter what happens this joy must be safeguarded in our hearts, said Pope Francis, as he gave the world the message of the beatitudes. For even when you are unjustly persecuted and insulted, you should rejoice and be glad. In his exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium – Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis said that all those who encounter Jesus Christ have their hearts and whole lives filled with the joy of the gospel. One of his favourite sayings was, those who trust in God are filled with the joy of the gospel. Pope Francis explained, in this exhortation, that this joy frees us from all sin, loneliness, inner emptiness. Now, on this occasion on his passing, let us thank God for all the graces He has given us, praying that this joy not leave our hearts.
Another word that Pope Francis loved was compassion – mercy towards others. That is why he declared a Year of Mercy and wrote that beautiful apostolic letter on the face of mercy, Misericordia et misera – Mercy with misery. All of his teachings were contained in these three words: joy, mercy and hope. When these evangelical qualities are alive in the whole Church, then, irrespective of events, we will be able to see it as part of God’s plan.
He had a tremendous affection for children. On his last Maundy Thursday, despite his illness and confined to a wheelchair, where did Pope Francis go? He went to a prison. Until his last moment, Pope Francis showed us that he had a heart that beats with the marginalised, with them in their sorrows. Let this be a great example. Let this be an inspiration, let this be a constant in the hearts of the members of the Church in these times.
Let us remember Pope Francis and thank God for giving the Church such a good shepherd, a great shepherd.
Author profile
H.E. Most Rev Dr Alex Vadakumthala is the Bishop of Kannur, India.
