We mourn the death of Pope Francis.

 

He rejected so much of what had gone before and lived in a way that showed humility. He made an eloquent and impassioned response to the global climate and ecological crises and exhortation to action through “Laudate Si”.

 

He was not afraid to enter the political arena where he saw injustice. He was brave and bold in challenging governments and especially those legislating against refugees and asylum seekers. He called for compassion. His last Easter address contained the words “How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants!”

 

It is extraordinary, then, that his revolutionary thinking did not extend to women. Women seeking sacramental ordination in the Catholic Church have been rejected. His devotion to St Thérèse of Lisieux is widely known and yet he ignored the part of her autobiography where she describes her call to priesthood. She even rejoiced that she would die before the age when she could test her vocation as it would be so painful for her if she could not do this. Women called to priesthood feel real pain and Francis has not recognised this nor sought to alleviate it.

 

We thank him for his service as Pope, and pray for a continuation of a Papacy that is outward looking, inclusive, just, and transparent. This is the Jubilee Year of Hope.The Pope said himself recently that kindness was an important aspect of how we live our lives of Hope. May his successor continue along the same path. May Pope Francis rest in peace.