Ten voices on ten years of Pope Francis
[Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk]
13 March marks the tenth anniversary of the start of Pope Francis’ pontificate. In this blog, CAFOD staff, partners and volunteers share their reflections on the impact Pope Francis has had on them during this time.
Ten years ago, 13 March 2013, the world watched as a new pope emerged onto the balcony above St Peter’s Basilica.
Who was he? What did he mean for the future of the Church? And for CAFOD as part of the Church?
Read more about ten defining moments from the last ten years
As we mark this anniversary, ten people from CAFOD share what Pope Francis has meant to them.
Humility and humanity
Nyika Musiyazwiriyo, Country Representative of CAFOD and Trocaire in Partnership (CTP) in South Sudan
“The visit of the Holy Father, Pope Francis was historic. I was inspired by the tenacity he has shown in his search for peace for the people of South Sudan. They certainly occupy a special place in the pope’s heart. To show how deep this love is he even knelt down on his knees to kiss the feet of the political leaders of South Sudan to appeal to them to deliver peace. This was a gesture of humility and magnanimity coming from such an eminent global leader.”
Ged Johnson, prayer-writing volunteer, North Wales
“My family crowded around the computer screen watching Pope Francis as he moved to the front of the balcony of St Peter’s on the evening of his election. When he looked up at the crowd and said warmly, simply, ‘buona sera’ (‘good evening’) my heart melted. This was the right person for pope.
He continues to impress me with his humanity, his humility, his contemplative way of looking long and lovingly at what is real. He encouraged me to be real, and for that I am very grateful.”
Our common home
Jenny Garzón Saavedra, FUNVIPAS, Colombia
“Laudato Si’, in terms of the reflection, the invitation, and everything that Pope Francis writes in it, has challenged me personally. It helps me to rethink my life plan, to imagine a better world for everyone, one where we have a common home that is protected, healthy, and restored, and where we also support those who suffer from its deterioration and from so much poverty.
In particular, I feel that the Pope’s words are a very important call to us, because that is what we as young people must do… be happy, act for our common home, take action, be empathetic, serve, … act for a fairer and better world for all.”
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Gareth Rowe, Theology team
“Pope John XXIII famously decided to throw open the windows of the church in the 1960s and let in the fresh air. Pope Francis has in many ways been the opposite – he has been a breath of fresh air blowing from the church out into the rest of the world.
Pope Francis has developed the church’s theological understanding of creation. Ecology is not an add-on to true Christian theology but rather a core part of it: we are not separate to or above the world but very much an integral part of ‘our common home’.”
A pastor for our world
Sister Marie Claire Furaha Ntakobajira Cizungu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
“Congolese people were very excited and full of joy at being chosen and visited by the Holy Father. People were thirsty to hear from the Holy Father. It was not only Catholics … but also other religions were mobilised and they came to welcome and attend the holy Mass.”
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Jenny Hayward-Jones, Fundraising team
“In his extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing on 27 March 2020 to pray for an end to the pandemic, Pope Francis said: “The Lord asks us and, in the midst of our tempest, invites us to reawaken and put into practice that solidarity and hope capable of giving strength, support and meaning to these hours when everything seems to be floundering.” In this exceptional moment, his prayer transformed the way I think about and live out my faith.
I found renewed strength and seized opportunities to engage with people I didn’t know, to listen, to console and to continually seek the light of Christ.
Pope Francis is the world’s pastor. His love for our common home and our shared humanity enables us to see the light we seek.”
Catholicism is not lukewarm
Bernard Balibuno, Country Representative, DRC
“Pope Francis’ message of peace and hope has meant so much to my country.
It is not just the message of peace that has touched our hearts, but also his message of solidarity and highlighting how our resources have been robbed and exploited for decades.
This resonates strongly with my country. The silence on our country continues to amaze us.”
Andrea Speranza, Campaigns team
“There are many images of the Holy Father that I love. But these two are my favourites:
Pope Francis arriving at the US in a tiny and modest black Fiat 500L.
Pope Francis arriving at the Greek island of Lesbos to take refugees who faced deportation to Rome.
Both were bold, symbolic gestures.
In the first scenario, an unprecedented lesson in how to exercise humility from one of the most powerful thrones on earth. The second, a gesture of defiance towards the EU policies.
Both are a reminder that Catholicism is not lukewarm.”
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Leading by example
Phil Millington, volunteer in Clifton Diocese
“’Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity.’
Pope Francis has been a strong voice for the many displaced peoples in our world, at a time when others have weaponised their plight for political gain. On his visit to Lampedusa, his first as Pope outside of Rome, pictures of his smiling welcome of love & peace, are a stark contrast to posters on our streets which have sought to demonise, stir up hostility & hate.
‘We ourselves need to see, & then enable others to see, that migrants & refugees…are brothers & sisters to be welcomed, respected & loved.’”
Christine Allen, CAFOD Director
“I had the privilege of meeting the Holy Father at the Caritas Internationalis General Assembly in 2019. Pope Francis had addressed us all at Mass the previous evening, and in his homily urged us to remember that we were not just NGOs, but that we were so much more – we were the church.
As we all gathered the next morning for the audience, we expected him to address us again. But instead each of us were invited to come and shake hands and share a word. As he greeted us, he smiled, he recognized, his eyes twinkled and he looked as joyful in meeting the last person as he did when meeting the first – not a mean feat for 400 people.”
“I am constantly struck by his words in Evangelii Gaudium calling all of us as Christians to be missionary disciples but with a real depth of encounter. “Evangelisers thus take on the ‘smell of the sheep’ and the sheep are willing to hear their voice” (EG, 24).
In a time when so many people feel excluded by society and church, perhaps because of their race, gender, sexual orientation or other factors, it is a reminder that we are called to be close to people – that we are a body of Christ. It prompts me to reflect on the ways in which, in my leadership, I ensure I remain close to those who are poor, vulnerable, those in difficulty or facing daily challenges and how I do so with humility and service.”
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has encouraged us to pray for him. We join with others in the Church in praying the Hail Mary for his intention.
Find more resources to inspire your personal prayer and reflection