Pope Francis 1936 to 2025

St. Thomas More College (STM) joins the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis. As a Christian people, we celebrate the resurrection during this holy season of Easter. We are moved by the fact that Pope Francis enters the joy of the resurrection after bidding the Church a final farewell on Easter Sunday: “Cari fratelli e sorelle, buona Pasqua – Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter”.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergolio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected pope on March 13, 2013. His choice of the name Francis immediately signaled a papacy which would remember the poor. He became known for solidarity with all those living in the margins, particularly migrants and refugees, and those impacted by war and natural disasters. His heart of a pastor never wavered as he reached out to those who often feel alienated both by the church and society. Early in his pontificate, he called humanity to care for our common home in his encyclical, Laudato Si’, and taught us that we must “hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor” (Laudato Si’, 49). More recently, he called the Synod on Synodality, a global conversation of Catholics that called us to reflect on how we can become a more listening Church in the service of communion, participation, and mission.

While Pope Francis’ legacy as a spiritual and global leader will merit much reflection, he also has had a great impact on STM. Twelve years ago, just prior to Pope Francis’ election, STM hosted a conference entitled, Turning to the World: Social Justice and the Common Good since Vatican II. A few days later, Pope Francis was elected, embodying just such a turning to the world, speaking clearly into the world’s deepest needs and choosing powerfully symbolic actions – like washing the feet of prisoners or going to visit migrants in Lampedusa – to bring the teachings of the Second Vatican Council to life in new ways.

“Pope Francis inspired a particular lexicon that, while not new in Catholic teaching, made its way into STM’s own vocabulary. Words and phrases like ‘dialogue’ and ‘cultures of encounter’ shape STM’s efforts to be ‘hospitably Catholic’ in our service to the diverse community of students that enter our doors,” said Director of Mission and Ministry for STM, Dr. Gertrude Rompré.

Perhaps most impactful for many Canadians was Pope Francis’ Pilgrimage of Penitence in July 2022. “Apologizing to Indigenous peoples in Canada for the Catholic church’s involvement in residential schools, Pope Francis’ humble and pastoral presence touched many who have been directly impacted by the colonial legacy of these institutions,” noted STM President Carl Still, who was present for that historical event. STM Scholar in Indigenous Education, Deacon Harry Lafond, stood by Pope Francis at the liturgy at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.

In a private audience last May with leaders from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities(ACCU), STM’s Director of Communications, Marketing, and Student Recruitment, Jacquie Berg, recalls Pope Francis’ kind and engaging demeanor while he emphasized the importance of Catholic educators’ role to "develop the head(intellect), heart(affect), and hands(action), to help students arrive at maturity and completeness.”

STM Campus Minister, Fr. André Lalach, reflecting on Pope Francis’ legacy, writes, “I have appreciated his efforts to be open to dialogue... Choosing to live in a modest apartment and discouraging clericalism have been two tangible examples of his ‘walking the walk’. He has challenged those who want to preserve a standpoint of certitude and opened a path for the work of the Holy Spirit.”

Michael MacLean, also serving in Campus Ministry at STM, had the opportunity through his involvement in global campus ministry networks, to meet Pope Francis on two occasions. Last September, he brought along STM student leader and Newman executive member, Alayna Jones. Both were able to attend a private audience with Pope Francis.

“I think Pope Francis’ papacy has been prophetic in pointing out some very important truths, like how the world needs to listen to Indigenous voices,” said MacLean. “This couldn’t be more true in our Canadian context. He was a marvelous person, humble and kind. His idea that the Church must be like a field hospital, taking care of people where they are at, was truly inspirational.”

We are grateful for Pope Francis’ life and ministry, and pray:
Eternal rest grant unto him, O lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.