Latest news with #StFrancisofAssisi
Hindustan Times
03-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Portrait of Pope Francis: His life, message, legacy
I wish I had met Pope Francis. I wouldn't say that of other famous people but of the Pope it's true. He had a warm, genial, happy face. He smiled a lot and each time his eyes would light up. His laughter was heartfelt and genuine, his affection for children sincere. He liked being with people. He saw himself as one of them. Much of this was obvious from the pictures I saw during his lifetime. It's what I discovered after his death that's really endeared him. Today I want to share with you the picture of Pope Francis that I've been able to research. In the style of St Francis of Assisi, whose name he took as his own papal name, the Pope lived very modestly. He shunned the grand papal home in the Vatican and chose instead a small two-room apartment in a guest house. He wore battered brown shoes. He would frequently invite his guards to breakfast and often dine in the Vatican workers' canteen. Before he became a priest, Francis was a bouncer in Buenos Aires. Perhaps that's why his approach to the priesthood was very different to the other priests. His central aim was to embrace the poor. He saw the Church and his faith through their eyes. Not surprisingly, they called him the Bishop of the Slums. It probably also underlies one of the most amazing things he did which the world barely knew about. After the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October 2023, it's reported that 'He would make nightly phone calls to the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, to offer prayers and words of encouragement to both Christians and Muslims sheltering within its walls.' The fact so few knew of this is perhaps typical of Francis. He did it because he wanted to. Not because he was seeking credit or publicity. I'm more surprised the few who knew did not make a greater effort to ensure it was better known. Francis was the first Pope to soften the Catholic Church's attitude to homosexuality. 'Who am I to judge?', he famously asked. He was also the first to believe that divorced or re-married Catholics could receive the sacrament. Even though four conservative Cardinals publicly opposed him, he did not waver. Of course, the Pope was traditional and conservative on issues like contraception, abortion, same-sex marriage and transgender recognition. As I was told, he was a very liberal Catholic Pope but he was still a Catholic Pope. That wasn't said to limit praise but to illustrate his willingness to push the boundaries. All of this points to one simple fact. Pope Francis cared about people. The position he took on the issue of immigrants and refugees proves this. His first formal visit as Pope was to the island of Lampedusa to meet illegal migrants from North Africa. Weeks before he fell ill, he criticised President Trump's policies linking illegal immigrants with criminality. I can't think of any other head of State who went so far. The late Pope was also the first to formally enter into a dialogue with Islam. He held an open-air mass in the United Arab Emirates, the first ever on the Arabian peninsula. This act of inter-religious fraternity was attacked by conservatives. He simply ignored their position. There are aspects of the Pope's life where, arguably, he failed. He was not particularly adept at handling allegations of corruption in the Vatican, even when they concerned the Secretariat of State. Cardinal Angelo Becciu may have been imprisoned in 2023, but the wider problem was not really tackled. But then none of his predecessors was any better. However, Francis may have ensured the Catholic Church will continue as he left it. Of the 135 Cardinals eligible to vote for his successor, 108 were appointed by him. Of them, 53 are European but 82 are from Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America and Oceania. So, will his successor be another non-European? The odds suggest he could be. Karan Thapar is the author of Devil's Advocate: The Untold Story. The views expressed are personal
Irish Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Fitting and breathtaking end to remarkable life of the 'People's Pope'
In the end it was not presidents, prime ministers or royalty who said the final farewells yesterday. That honour was reserved for the poor, in accordance with the Pope's last wishes. And before them the ordinary folk who lined the streets of Rome shouting his name. A fitting and breathtaking end to the remarkable life of the 'People's Pope'. Around 40 people described by the Vatican as 'poor and marginalised', including migrants, homeless, prisoners and transgender people, welcomed the Holy Father as he arrived at his final resting place, holding white roses under a deep blue sky. Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica had become Francis's place of quiet reflection during his life, a long way from the pomp and formality of the Vatican, and had once been where slaves were buried. But last night the 4th century church became the eternal home of a pontiff whose humility and simplicity became his greatness. Francis chose his name in honour of the 13th century Italian friar St Francis of Assisi who renounced luxury to help the poor. And he was laid to rest not among famous popes in the lavish Vatican crypts but in a small niche that until this week was used to store candlestick holders. It was a last wish of the man who led the world's 1.4 billion Catholics for 12 years and a major break from papal funeral tradition. He said he wanted to be buried as 'a shepherd and a disciple, not a powerful man of this world'. Inside his sealed coffin were placed his robes, coins minted during his papacy, as well as a deed summarising his life. Popes are usually buried with an expensive new mitre too, but Francis said that would be a waste and that his old one would do just fine. And unlike his predecessors, who each had three nested coffins – of cypress, lead and elm – Francis chose a simple wooden one. That change came as part of recently updated funeral planning for pontiffs, which was approved by Francis and also stated that the public would be able to view the pope's body in an open coffin. 'Francis left everyone a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and of universal fatherhood,' said a summary of his papacy, written in Latin, and placed next to his body. His journey to his final resting place was the first such procession for a pope in over a century. The last to be buried outside the Vatican was Leo XIII in 1903. Crowds cheered the slow-moving armour-plated Popemobile carrying his coffin nearly four miles through central Rome, across the River Tiber and past the Colosseum. Thousands shouted 'Long live the Pope' and 'Ciao, Francesco'. Just six days earlier he had surprised and delighted Easter Sunday crowds in St Peter's Square with a blessing from the Basilica balcony and a final tour in his Popemobile. The Pope's last words were to the nurse who had encouraged him to take a final ride among the masses, saying: 'Thank you for taking me back to the square.' US student Madison Gifford, 20, who watched the funeral and also saw the Pope's last appearance on Easter Sunday, said: 'To see him here like that today – he's gone. It's so sad but also I'm privileged to have been here. 'People here say 'Papa' for Pope, which we don't say back home. But now, having been here four months, he felt like my papa, my dad.' Outside the church where he was buried, the square was busy with people pausing to reflect or take photographs. 'We felt blessed to be here,' said Grace, 20, a dance teacher from Colchester, Essex, who happened to have booked a hotel overlooking the basilica with her boyfriend Frankie long before the Pope's death. 'It was really quiet as his coffin was arriving. Everyone was just praying or reflecting. It was nice to be part of something so special. We saw how much it meant to everyone,' she added. A group of Argentinians living in Rome also paid tribute to the first Latin American pope – all wearing their country's football shirts. One, Augustin, said: 'We decided to come here as Argentinians to bring Francis our condolences and accompany him to his tomb. 'It is such a huge loss for us but now we know he is resting in peace in a place he chose. Francis was a very humble person with a big heart who helped many people. It is a very sad day, not only for us Argentinians, but for the whole world.' Francis made his wishes for a simple burial clear in his will, saying: 'The tomb should be in the earth; simple, without special decoration, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.' The private interment allowed those closest to him to say their final goodbyes. After the coffin was placed into a tomb within a side alcove, Cardinal Kevin Farrell – overseeing daily Vatican affairs until a new pope is elected – sprinkled it with holy water while the Regina Caeli, a prayer usually sung to express joy at Easter, was chanted. The Pope's tomb has been crafted in marble from the Italian region of Liguria, where his grandparents were from. Members of the public will be able to visit it from next Sunday.
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Hundreds join Pope Francis' memorial at St Francis Church, recall his 'simplicity, love'
Hundreds of priests, diplomats and community members gathered at the Church of St. Francis in the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi for a special memorial dedicated to the late Pope. During his sermon at the memorial Mass, the Apostolic Nuncio reflected on Pope Francis's legacy of humility and compassion, saying he consistently reminded the world that 'the Church is a hospital for the poor.' From the very start of his papacy, the late pope 'set a different tone – one of simplicity and closeness to the people.' Rejecting traditional displays of power, Pope Francis embodied solace and humility. His choice of the name Francis — after St Francis of Assisi — was a clear statement of his commitment to peace and love. The Nuncio noted that the church where the Mass was held, also named after St. Francis, symbolises those same values. The Nuncio highlighted powerful moments of the late pope's ministry, including how he 'comforted the forgotten' and 'wept with refugees and migrants', saying these acts reflected the mercy of God. Pope Francis' legacy challenges the Church 'to go forward' with that same vision, he concluded. Father Stefano Luca, Resident Priest of St. Francis Church at the Abrahamic Family House, said while Pope Francis' landmark visit to the UAE in 2019 was deeply symbolic, coinciding with the UAE's Year of Tolerance, the timing had an even deeper historical resonance. "Why 2019? Because it was the 800th anniversary since the encounter between St Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt, Al-Malik al-Kamil in 1219. The two historical figures came together during the Crusades and formed an unlikely friendship – something Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb sought to revive. Their 2019 visit to Abu Dhabi led to the signing of the Human Fraternity Document, which is considered a milestone in interfaith dialogue. 'The visit also laid the groundwork for the Abrahamic Family House. Though the vision may have existed earlier, Father Stefano noted that the historic visit "gave decisive boost that now is the time to do it.' Watch a video of the memorial service, here: He recalled meeting Pope Francis personally a couple of times, describing the Pope's humility and warmth. "His simplicity and his willingness to greet… look into our eyes… the profound spirituality connected to the profound humanity." When asked if the Pope said anything personal to him, Father Stefano remembered: "Be happy and be a good Franciscan friar." This was particularly meaningful as both he and the Pope are followers of St Francis of Assisi, the namesake of the church he now leads. Looking ahead, Father Stefano aims to carry forward Pope Francis' legacy by nurturing interfaith friendship and understanding on a human level. Abdulla Al Shehhi, Acting Executive Director of the Abrahamic Family House, said the signing of the Human Fraternity Document by Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al Azhar Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi 'was not by accident,' but rather a deliberate decision based on 'their conviction in the role of the UAE in the protection of tolerance.' The Abrahamic Family House, he said, was 'one of the fruits of the covenant,' and now stands as a testament to the pope's values of peace and unity. Watch people join in large numbers to honour the late pope's legacy: Recalling a personal moment, Al Shehhi described meeting Pope Francis in Rome, alongside Mohamed Al Mubarak, president of the Abrahamic Family house. They presented the pope with a gift and showed him a video featuring the life of the church in Abu Dhabi. 'His face was really radiant with satisfaction,' he said, sharing how even in pain, the pope's 'smile was the same.' He also fondly remembered the pope's humour, recounting how he joked about a wedding photo they showed him that was held at the church. The Pope joked that the man was making a mistake by getting married, 'and we all laughed from the sense of humour,' Al Shehhi added. Despite the church being designed for 300 worshippers, Al Shehhi said it has welcomed over a thousand people every Sunday since opening. 'Over a hundred thousand people have prayed [here], and this number is constantly increasing.' He added that the church will continue to honour Pope Francis's memory 'for decades and centuries' by carrying forward his values: 'forgiveness, peace, love, and sincerity.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The art of Pope Francis: What was the Catholic spiritual leader's cultural legacy?
When Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, headlines understandably focused on his role as a global spiritual leader. As the proprietor in trust of the Vatican's library and art collections, his cultural legacy — especially in the arts — was also significant. He was the first pontiff to visit the Venice Biennale, the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibition. He also opened a gallery for contemporary art inside the Vatican Library, made high-profile statements on cultural restitution, and repeatedly invoked the power of creativity to forge human connection. Francis saw artists, in his own words, as architects of a better future: 'I beg you, dear artists, to imagine cities that do not yet exist on the maps: cities where no human being is considered a stranger.' His views on art were deeply shaped by the saint whose name he adopted. Like St Francis of Assisi — who appears frequently in Renaissance painting, preaching to birds or receiving the stigmata — Pope Francis was drawn to nature, poverty, and pastoral simplicity. His 2015 encyclical on climate change, Laudato Si', took its name from St Francis's Canticle of the Creatures, and cited Giotto's frescoes in Assisi as inspiration. But for all his spiritual leanings, Francis didn't keep art in the realm of the abstract. In 2023, he returned three fragments of the Parthenon sculptures to Greece, saying bluntly: 'The Seventh Commandment comes to mind: If you steal something you have to give it back.' He continued, 'In the case where you can return things, where it's necessary to make a gesture, better to do it. [...] So you don't get used to putting your hands in someone else's pockets.' The restitution was framed as a 'donation' to the Orthodox Church of Greece and timed with his efforts to deepen ecumenical relations. During a 2021 visit to the Parthenon, Francis said: 'History makes its weight felt, and here, today, I feel the need to ask anew for the forgiveness of God and of our brothers and sisters for the mistakes committed by many Catholics.' Furthermore, Francis extolled the power of art — and artists themselves — in societal transformation. In Venice in 2024, he arrived at a women's prison on Giudecca island, where the Holy See Pavilion had been set up as part of the Biennale. Some works on display were created with inmates. In his remarks, Francis cited Corita Kent, Frida Kahlo and Louise Bourgeois as artists who had 'something important to teach us,' and praised the transformative power of creativity: 'The world needs artists. This is demonstrated by the multitude of people of all ages who frequent art venues and events.' That year's Biennale, themed Foreigners Everywhere, had a particular focus on marginalised voices. The pope's visit, said the Biennale organisers, was an 'extraordinary gesture of closeness' and reflected 'the building of a culture of encounter'. Beyond the Biennale, he personally authorised major art restoration projects and continued the acquisition of contemporary works—a tradition that dates back to Pope Paul VI. The Vatican's collections now include works by Chagall, Picasso, Dalí and Matisse, alongside biblical interpretations by more recent artists like Studio Azzurro and Richard Long. In 2023, the National Gallery in London staged the first UK exhibition dedicated to St Francis. The pope sent a message, describing the saint as 'the beloved minstrel of God.' That show blended historic works by Botticelli and El Greco with modern interpretations by artists like Antony Gormley. The gallery's director Gabriele Finaldi noted that St Francis appeals 'for Christians and non-Christians alike, for utopians and revolutionaries, for animal lovers and for those who work for causes of human solidarity.' Still, Francis' cultural tenure was not without criticism. In 2024, nearly 50 Vatican Museum workers filed a class-action complaint against the administration, alleging poor working conditions and unsafe practices. The petition described employees as being treated like 'commodities' and called for better transparency and basic labour protections. The case remains ongoing, but it undercut the Vatican's image as a moral steward of world heritage. Whether viewed as sincere or strategic, his approach brought the Vatican into fresh dialogue with the contemporary world, from the Giudecca prison to the halls of London's National Gallery.
Hans India
21-04-2025
- General
- Hans India
Pope Francis: A people's pontiff, a committed voice for peace and understanding
New Delhi: The first Pope from the Americas, from the Jesuit order, the first non-European in around 1,300 years (though the 12th overall), Cardinal Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio's choice of St Francis of Assisi as his pontifical name displayed the thrust of his vision and intention to revitalise the Catholic Church and espouse peace and justice all around the world. Though his own order also had a saint - St Francis Xavier, Pope Francis (1936-2025) chose to be named after the Saint of Assisi, venerated even beyond his own faith for his spurning of material comfort, stressing compassion for the weak, safeguarding nature, and founding an order with its stress on poverty, peace, and charity. Interestingly, St Francis of Assisi was Mahatma Gandhi's favourite Christian saint. Born in Buenos Aires to an Italian family that had emigrated to escape Benito Mussolini's fascist rule, Pope Francis had a normal primary education before attending a technical secondary school from which he secured a chemical technician's diploma. After stints as a bouncer and janitor, he spent some years in the food section of a laboratory before religion beckoned after he overcame a serious illness in his early 20s. After education in a seminary, he joined the Society of Jesus as a novice in March 1958, officially became a Jesuit in March 1960 and after a further spell of studying and teaching, took final vows in April 1973. He rose steadily through the church hierarchy, being named Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992, the coadjutor Archbishop in 1997, and the Archbishop in 1998 -- a post he continued to hold till he became Pope despite being appointed a Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. As the Archbishop, he established new parishes, formed a commission on divorces, and sought to increase the church's presence in the slums of Buenos Aires. Personally, he sought to set an example by living in a small apartment rather than the bishop's lavish residence, using public transportation, and cooking his own meals. Ascending the papacy as the 266th holder of the post after the sudden resignation of Benedict XVI (2005-13) though he had emerged a frontrunner in the 2005 conclave to elect Pope John Paul II's successor, Pope Francis became the most famous Argentine since Juan and Eva Peron, Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, Diego Maradonna, and Gabriela Sabatini. However, this was in his own right for his humility and openness, focus on mercy, concern for the poor and social justice, stress on inter-faith dialogue and a perceived liberal bent despite his conservatism in doctrine. As the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis made women full members of various dicasteries (departments) in the Vatican, called for more sympathy toward members of the LGBTQ community, and held while same-sex unions could not be blessed, the individuals concerned can be blessed in a non-liturgical context. He also called for decentralisation of church governance away from the Vatican and decision-making in dialogue with the people. Like his 13th-century namesake, he opposed unrestrained capitalism, consumerism, and unchecked development, and stressed love and charity. He also sought action on climate change, termed the death penalty "evil" and expressed the Church's commitment to its abolition, espoused the decriminalisation of homosexuality, criticised the rise of right-wing populism, and supported the cause of refugees, terming their protection a "duty of civilisation". In practical developments, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba and negotiated a deal with China to define how much influence the Communist Party has in appointing Chinese bishops. He was also active in interfaith dialogue. In May 2014, Pope Francis visited Israel and the Palestinian territories and offered symbolic gestures to both sides, meeting top Islamic and Jewish clerics. In February 2019, Francis visited Abu Dhabi and became the first pope to celebrate Mass on the Arabian Peninsula. He visited Iraq in 2021 and met Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The Pope also tried to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, but without any success. In his final message on Easter Sunday, which would turn out to be his last public event, his address "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) called for peace worldwide, global disarmament and release of prisoners. Reiterating his appeal for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of the hostages, and access to humanitarian aid, the Pope also called for breaking down the physical, political, economic and spiritual barriers which divide society. He appealed to the nations to use their resources not for rearmament, but to combat hunger, development, and care for one another. "The principle of humanity never fails to be the hallmark of our daily actions," the Pope said, in words that could be his epitaph.
