Pope Francis and the hope of God’s mercy

St Peter was not called Papa, Pope, Holy Father in his lifetime; that name would come later. Yet, he was, by Christ’s designation, the first Pope and Father of the Christian community, and the spiritual head of the fledgling Church. This Peter is the one we heard from in the first reading just now.

Following Pentecost and the early persecution of the followers of the risen Christ, Peter had been making his way beyond the lands Jesus had walked, to share with others that name by which God had come to save his people. He had come to Caesarea, a Roman port city, and to Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, along with his household.

It was to Cornelius that Peter would say the words we heard, that apply just as much to us:

The truth I have come to realise … is that God does not have favourites, but that anybody … who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.

In hearing these words, Cornelius and his family—and we who hear them today—can know that holding to the name and life of Jesus Christ is to hold to that hope which will not disappoint: that is, by God’s mercy, we have all gained our reconciliation, the forgiveness of our sins, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

The Peter who has recently died, the one whom we have gathered to pray for in this Memorial Mass, Papa Franciscus, knew this throughout his time as Pope and, I’m sure, throughout his entire Christian life. Mercy was perhaps his most frequently spoken word. The mercy of God, in Christ Jesus, was what he proclaimed in as many ways as he could. The hope of God’s mercy and the joy of our forgiveness were hallmarks of his papacy.

As one of my brother bishops said last week, ‘If there was ever a Pope who proclaimed, lived and embodied God’s mercy, it was Francis. He was a Pope of mercy—not just in word, but in action. He reached out to the poor, the excluded, the wounded. He taught us not to judge but to accompany. He reminded us again and again that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love.’

Joyful evangeliser … Father of the poor … Servant to the stranger … Accompanier of the imprisoned … Friend of the migrant and refugee … Pope for peace … These are all valuable images by which we may fruitfully consider Pope Francis’ life and papal ministry.

But allow me to point to one that ought not to be missed. On every occasion he would travel, and whenever there was a moment of significance, Pope Francis would go to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, and to the very ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani—Mary, health of the Roman people.

There he would pray. His prayer was for the people of the world, seeking our Blessed Mother’s intercession, desiring health for all in need: healing for the people, healing for the world. It is nearby to that icon that his mortal remains have now been laid to rest.

Each time I met Pope Francis, he would ask that I pray for him. This was a constant refrain, whether with an individual, a small group or a vast crowd. It was not a throw-away line but sincerely requested. Pope Francis knew of the need he had for God’s grace in his life—as should we all—and he had the humility to ask for it, as he prayed for us.

‘Pray for me’ were his first words when he came out onto the balcony of St Peter’s on the day of his election as Pope, and they were his last words on Sunday, spoken from the same balcony. We should continue his request, now praying that he is with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Francis of Assisi and all the saints. And we should trust that his prayers, now offered from eternal life, are being offered for us.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.