Sean Major-Campbell | A Pope for everyone

PAPA FRANCIS departed this life on the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The pope like others before him, led at the See of St Peter.

The novemdiales or nine-day period of mourning after the death of the pope would still be in progress today. The cardinal camerlengo, or chamberlain having canonically declared the death of the pope, gives way to daily masses for Papa Francis during this period. This declaration would have been made after the pope is called by his Christian name three times. Silence confirms what is believed to be true.

During the Sede Vacante or vacancy in the Holy See, there is much regard for the fact that the jurisdiction of the pontiff’s authority remains dormant until such time when the See is filled. Then and only then will the dicasteries return to official functions.

Taking the name of one of my favourite saints, Pope Francis’ time in the papal office has inspired hope for so many in a world where human rights abuses abound. He did not play political correctness when speaking out against injustice and seeking liberation for the most vulnerable. He spoke and acted in ways that advanced interfaith dialogue and inclusion.

In a world where xenophobia is a tool of divisive politics, he still did advocacy for the stranger and foreigner. He understood that Christianity should be informed by Christ and not by the world’s agendas for wealth and power. Mercy was still a gospel mandate while reaching out to the marginalised was always a mission imperative.

His departure at Easter points to a resurrection of hope for the church he served. It is my prayer that more Catholics around the globe will return to their faith to continue this great work of Christ in the world. Francis understood that the cross of Christ and the crown of thorns pointed to a necessary humility in a world constantly yielding to the greedy temptations for pomposity, scandalous wealth, selfishness, and other harmful ways of being.

Hopefully the necessary work of ongoing reform will continue his legacy informed by his Jesuit tradition of scholarship and service. His Franciscan spirituality not to be forgotten, inspired his love for the environment and the created order as a whole.

He did the unthinkable when he washed the feet of non-Christians. He washed the feet of refugees, migrants, and even prisoners. A powerful example of Jesus Christ our Lord who told his disciples to do for others what he had done for them in washing their feet. In 2016, he made the distinction between Jesus’ gesture of peace and love by washing feet; and the gesture of Judas’ who sold Jesus for money.

Our world needs more men and women who will respectfully wash the feet of others. We all need to be more discerning of the Judases who betray and sell others. Most importantly, let us beware of those with dangerous political ambitions.

When we celebrate the life of Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina), we should be led to look at Jesus and the ways and teachings of Jesus Christ. This is because Papa Francis would not have wanted a personality cult following. He would have wanted us to turn our eyes upon Jesus and then look at and work with our fellow human beings.

President Barak Obama’s tribute is so true: “Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another. Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example. May we continue to heed his call to “never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope”.

Whether it is Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana or Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, USA, or Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratice Republic of Congo or any of the others up for consideration, it will still matter that such a one has testimony that may truly say, “I have seen the Lord”. It matters to the world whether you are Catholic or otherwise that those who lead and influence millions, be also led by the light of Christ. It matters in a world where truth is challenged by war mongers and power grabbers, that humble voices speak in service of humanity and to the glory of God.

In celebration of Divine Mercy, we offer intercessions for the whole world. We pray for divine guidance re filling the See of St Peter. And we pray that Francis rests in peace and rise in glory.

On this second Sunday of Easter, we pray in the words of the collect: Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human rights and dignity. Please send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com