In a world that seems to be largely run by oligarchs, charlatans and megalomaniacs there are few leaders who, when they pass, receive genuine praise from other heads of state, heads of government and religious leaders of all political persuasions and faiths. Pope Francis is one who has.
Probably like most of you, I woke up to the news this morning and immediately felt a deep sadness. I am not a Catholic but I feel drawn to that faith; I am not a Protestant but must admit I used to like a good sing-song in a Protestant church now and then; I am not a believer, nor am I a non-believer but I would like to believe.
Why, then, am I saddened by the death of Pope Francis? Because I think he was a force for good in the world and I have found him a relatable figure ever since the evening he was elected Pope and came out onto the famous balcony and said, "Buonasera" to enormous cheers from the crowd. It was so simple yet so appropriate and it felt as if your neighbour was greeting you in the street.
In January 2020, when our fears of the virus were growing, this agnostic blogger who is leaning towards Catholicism bought, on impulse, a book entitled Preghiera (Prayer), a collection of Pope Francis's thoughts on the matter. In a section called How to Pray, there is a quote from a speech he gave in 2016. He says,
Do not forget to pray. Pray in any way you can, and if you fall asleep in front of the Tabernacle, you will still be blessed. But pray.......Do not lose your closeness to and availability for others, and also, I allow myself to say to you, do not lose your sense of humour. And we will go forward!
A Pope who valued humour could not, and did not, fail to be loved.
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