Marcus Mescher at Xavier University:

Humility

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis demonstrated “humility and simplicity,” Mescher said.

The pope’s chosen name, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, reflected this nature — Mescher noted that St. Francis renounced his wealth for a life of service and devotion to God….

Mercy

One aspect of Francis’ approach that especially resonated with believers is his emphasis on mercy, Mescher said.

He noted how the pope’s 2016 book, “The Name of God is Mercy,” demonstrates a desire for humans to show tenderness and gentleness toward others — and ourselves.

“Pope Francis uses the word ‘mercifying’ to show us that God is constantly giving God’s self away in mercy. Pope Francis writes that God never tires of forgiving us, that we are the ones who tire of asking for forgiveness. But as Pope Francis thinks of mercy, he’s thinking not only of God’s forgiveness for sins, but he’s thinking of God’s steadfast loyalty and fidelity to us, that God will never abandon us,” Mescher said….

Solidarity

Mescher recalled several examples of how Francis engaged those at the margins of society, including by meeting with queer Catholics, survivors of clergy abuse, refugees, migrants and victims of war, as the pope aspired to ensure his church left no one behind.

“He was so intentional about drawing near the people who felt pushed to the peripheries of church or even unwelcome in the church,” Mescher said.

Francis felt a special obligation to care for the poor, and Mescher provided one significant example of how the pope made Vatican City more welcoming to homeless people….

Church Reformation

Mescher said Pope Francis aimed to go beyond mere words and actions with his papacy — he wanted to explore and overhaul certain structures within the church.

“I think one of the highlights of his papacy is that Pope Francis saw himself as a reformer. He was trying to root out corruption. He was trying to build a more transparent and accountable ecclesial structure.”…

Listening

“He really did take listening, especially to people who felt invisible or insignificant or powerless, he took that so seriously,” Mescher said.

Mescher highlighted Pope Francis’ groundbreaking Synod on Synodality, a three-year,  global series of discussions that encouraged all members of the church to journey together. Through this synod (and several others during his tenure), Francis broadened the scope of participation, aiming to engage all Catholics about their desires for the church.