Three years ago, on the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis, I wrote a story Jorge Mario Bergelio, born Jesuit, describes the first Pope “a little California”.
Yes, he was from Argentina, not the United States, nor, he never visited the “best coast” in 13 years as president of the church, but by giving priority to the environment, defending the poor and hitting a more welcome tone with LGBTQ Catholics, he showed a commitment to the sympathetic and open values that many California share.
He also appointed more women for leadership roles in the Vatican more than any door before him, although he did not stop calling until they became priests.
In the aftermath of his death, and the collective mourning that was inspired by the Catholic leaders throughout southern California, and asked them to share how to summarize his papadors – his influence, work and inspiration.
One topic came loudly and clearly: Francis was the Pope who gave priority to margins and encouraged all Catholics to do the same.
When Pope Francis began his bit, Wobby Goldberg expressed her admiration: “He will go with the original program.” actually. Francis took seriously what Jesus took seriously: inclusion. The nonviolence. Unpopular, love, and emotional acceptance. He knew that the only way to erase the margins is to stand out on them. He stood up with those whose dignity and those whose burdens were more bound were rejected. He stood with Satan until Satan stops while getting rid of him, until the day comes when we stop throwing people. Among his last works was Kababa, to visit the prison and stand with contempt easily and easily. His entire life invited us to the “original program”.
– dad Gregory Boyle, SJ, Founder, HomeBoy Industries
Francis – the priest, the Pope, the Prophet, and a friend “smell like his sheep” – we learned through an example that work for a fair distribution of the fruits of the earth and human work is not just a fictional work. It is a moral commitment. He told Christians, the responsibility is greater: it is a will. Pope Francis entrusts us all of this task. To become “poets of social change” by facing suffering and dreams [of] Our neighbors, learn to get to know the sanctity and the good of every person and the motherland, and practice a kind of revolutionary love by organizing society that makes it possible for every person to live in dignity and hope – “a kind of hope that does not disappoint you.”
– Joseph Thomas McClalar, CEO, Pico California
One of the best aspects of Francis’s legacy was his relationship with youth. It was open and understanding and talked about the issues that many young people care about: LGBTQ community, the health of the planet, fairness and social justice. In many ways, he made Catholics cold again – this was the Pope that fell on the cover of Rolling Stone.
– Joe Ferrolo, CEO and publisher, the National Catholic correspondent
Pope Francis reflected the depth of the love of Jesus Christ, especially among the most vulnerable in society. He attracted his care and humility to all people and creation people of all cultures and religions. He moved in this world in an ecumenical way that exceeded its beloved church. He was truly an unusual leader and a role model for the world that embodies deep faith and commitment to adopting the dignity of the human person.
– Janet Gonzalez Sinfaratinand The director of the care of the whole person, the diocese of Los Angeles
While I think about the life of our beloved and beloved father, my heart moves deeply with the deep love and mercy that he showed to his people. In every sense of the word, he was a real shepherd – the person who carried the smell of his herd, walking closely with them through their struggles, sorrows and joys. We mentioned, as an elderly and bishop, that our invitation is not from afar, but from within the lives of those we serve.
– dad Angelos Sebastian, Attorney General and Korea, orange diocese
As a Catholic University founded by the sisters of Saint Joseph from Carondelet, we are very grateful to lead the Pope and his steadfast commitment to social justice and care for our joint home. Pope Francis, similar, teaches us the tradition of CSJ (the group of sisters of Saint Joseph) to walk with humility, and to act courageously and build unity through love. In honoring his legacy, we may continue to educate and empower leaders who Sibnion is a more just and emotional world.
– Ann Makni Johnson, President of the University of Mount Saint Mary
The Great Pope, the Great Pope was really for my squeezing, especially the way he reached the parties, and which reaffirmed the ministry that I was reaching outside the church. From the beginning, his words made it clear that this Pontificate was more than the church, and that it would have greater and greater access. This really happened in 13 years of the Pope.
– dad Michael Guterres, Reverend, Saint Louis of the Catholic Church of France, La Bennetti
Pope Francis made the papal modeling on totalitarianism, mercy and dialogue – values at the heart of the LMU mission. I found a special inspiration in the Synod on the Synod, and his bold call to the International Church to adopt deeper listening, joint delegation and group trip. His legacy, especially with our relationship with him as the first of the Jesuit Pope, enables us to live as servant leaders, and build societies inherent in sympathy and justice.
– Thomas Bon, The elected president, Liola Marimaont University
Pope Francis was a true prophetic voice in a world in which human dignity and attack were challenged. Each of us invited [to] Go to the ends, so that we can work as agents of mercy for the poor and the marginalized. He left us here in Los Angeles with the presence of bishops Gomez as a spiritual leader who received this invitation from Pope Francis, where our life office, justice and peace formed so that we can honor human life: immigrants, immigrants, our brothers and sisters who suffer from homelessness, the elderly and patients. This was the mission of Pope Francis, and we will proudly continue to live this radical spirit to accompany our holiness.
– Michael B. Donaldson, Great Director, Life Office, Justice and Peace, Los Angeles diocese
I think that Pope Francis was never interested in reforming the church because he was simply trying to reveal something of the fullness and strength of the teachings of the Church – that God is love, and that we get to know God completely in our love completely, and that the highest invitation we have and the greatest joy may live as if this was true.
– dad Brendan P. Busse, SJ, pastor, Dolores Machine Church