Pope Francis challenged us to be better Christians in the world
When Pope Francis stepped onto the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica in 2013, he didn't just introduce himself as the Bishop of Rome — he introduced a whole new way of leading. One that smelled less like incense and more like the sheep.
As one of only 1,000 Papal Missionaries of Mercy commissioned by Pope Francis himself, I had the unique privilege not only of preaching his message but also of witnessing it firsthand. And I can tell you this: what you saw in Pope Francis was exactly what you got. No filters. No frills. Just faith.
He was a pope who chose simplicity over splendor, who rode in a Ford Focus instead of a limousine, and who lived in a humble guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace. But don't let the modesty fool you — his impact was anything but small.
He reminded us that the Church is not a museum for saints, but a field hospital for the wounded. He spoke with the heart of a pastor and acted with the conviction of a prophet. He reached out to the forgotten — Muslim refugees, the incarcerated, the sick, the lonely — and showed us that mercy is not a theory. It's a way of life.
His three-word homily to the Church — 'Todos, todos, todos' ('Everyone, everyone, everyone') — echoed the Gospel with stunning clarity. No one was excluded from the love of Christ. Not the poor. Not the sinner. Not even the CEO of the largest airline in the world, whom I witnessed moved to tears by Pope Francis' influence.
Yes, I had the joy of delivering gifts to Pope Francis — bottles of bourbon blessed and signed for charity, even personal letters from ordinary folks across America. And every time, he received them not as a global celebrity, but as a humble servant. He didn't just open envelopes — he opened hearts.
Critics said he was controversial. I say he was courageous.
He challenged all of us—left, right, and center—to stop playing Church and start being Church. To leave the safety of the sanctuary and step into the messiness of the world. To get dirt under our nails and Gospel fire in our souls.
Pope Francis wasn't trying to be liked—he was trying to be faithful.
And for that, I thank God for him every day.
Father Jim Sichko is a Papal Missionary of Mercy based in Richmond, Kentucky.
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