By Donna Orsuto, Co-founder and Senior Advisor of The Lay Centre; Director of Moral Theology and Spiritual Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University
Announcing the death of Pope Francis this morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell said: “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
How Pope Francis spent his last days, and even the last hours of his life, is a testament to his fidelity, courage, and universal love. His life was poured out for others until the end.
Just yesterday, on Easter Sunday, despite being challenged physically, he delivered the Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter’s Square. Then he took what would become his final ride through the square to greet the crowds of pilgrims. The Urbi et Orbi message read out in his presence included prayers for the most vulnerable, the poor and those suffering from war in different parts of the world. This emphasis on the poor and vulnerable was a consistent feature of his pontificate and remained unchanged in his final hours.
In the last days of his life, he spent time with prisoners and political leaders, met with monarchs, and caressed children. Although he was unable to wash the feet of prisoners on Maundy Thursday as he had always done, he insisted on meeting with them at the Regina Coeli prison. For him, every person was important and deserved to be treated with dignity.
The first message I received in the first hour after his death was announced says a lot about Pope Francis. A Jewish friend from Jerusalem, Shulamit Miller, wrote, “I guess since I was there in St Peter’s Square when he was elected, I feel that in a way he was my Pope too. How considerate of him to hold on until after the Easter celebrations. As if, even in his last hours, he was caring for his flock and making sure everyone had the opportunity to celebrate the holiday joyously”.
As I write these words, church bells are ringing nearby. They are an invitation to prayer, to pray for Pope Francis that he may rest in peace, to pray for the Church in this time of transition and to pray for ourselves that we, like him, may live with fidelity, courage and universal love.
Today, on Pasquetta (what the Italians call Little Easter), we are reminded of the words of Pope Francis’ last message, read yesterday: “Christ is risen! These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life. Easter is the celebration of life!“
Photo: Vatican Media
