Heeding the message of "The People's Pope"

We just lost a powerful leader, “The People’s Pope.” His power stemmed from his connection to all people; religious or not, black or white, poor or wealthy. Tenderness was his strength.

Francis, humble and full of grace, challenged us individually and as world citizens to be better people. I invite you to read his words:

On DEI: “Diversity is a richness, never a reason for exclusion.” “We are all equal – all of us – but this truth is not recognized.” “Inclusion should be the first ‘rock’ on which to build our house.”

On immigration: “A person who thinks only about building walls … and not building bridges is not a Christian.” “We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family.”

On climate change: “Our common home is being pillaged, laid waste and harmed with impunity. Cowardice in defending it is a grave sin.” “... the climate crisis …” does not … “interest the great economic powers whose concern is with the greatest profit possible at minimal cost.”

On leadership: “This is important: to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas.” “The primary responsibility of leaders is to promote the well-being of people, not themselves.” “The worship of the golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly human goal.”

We all suffer self-doubts, failures and divisions. But this pope was a light for our individual darknesses. Let’s ponder his words and find that “spark of divine light within each of us.”

– Nancy Teggeman, Polson