Pope Francis
By Revd Mark Ackford

As a Franciscan it is no surprise to me that when I reflect on the life of our dear departed brother in
Christ Pope Francis, that he decided to take the name Francis.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he chose the name Francis when he became Pope in 2013 as I think St
Francis of Assisi was a man who had inspired his ministry up to that moment and continued to do so
throughout his papacy, Pope Francis wanted to honour St Francis a man who had inspired him as a
man of poverty, a man of peace, a man who loves and protects creation. This choice became a
reflection of Pope Francis’s mission and values, ones which emphasized humility, simplicity, and a
deep respect for nature and humanity. Pope Francis’ decision to take this name was not just a
symbolic gesture but a solemn declaration of his commitment to these principles which he
demonstrated throughout his time in office.

For example, he often emphasized the importance of caring for the vulnerable and the environment,
much like St. Francis did. In his encyclical “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis calls for an integral ecology that
respects both human dignity and the natural world. He sees St. Francis as a model for living in
harmony with God, others, nature, and oneself.

With St Francis he also shared a commitment to social justice and a deep sense of spirituality. St.
Francis’s love for all creatures and his dedication to the poor resonate strongly with Pope Francis’s
mission to bring the Gospel to the peripheries and address the needs of the marginalized.

Pope Francis approach to leadership was a similar one to that of St Francis which was one of
humility, He opted for simpler living arrangements and often used before becoming Pope public
transportation, demonstrating that leadership can be grounded in approachability and modesty.
Pope Francis once said, “how I would like a church that is poor and that is for the poor” and his
choice to honour the lives of everyday people and prioritize their stories over grandeur has
resonated with millions as demonstrated by the content of the many messages of condolence that
the Vatican has received since his death.

Pope Francis by his example lived a life which will forever live on for me in the words of the famous
prayer attributed to his namesake, a prayer which I think is a fitting memorial and reminder of all
that he stood for:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is
injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness,
light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be
consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving
that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to
eternal life. Amen.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.