Pete Davis writes: Twelve years ago, I was 23 and civically disappointed, bitterly coming to terms with the false promises of modern American politics and technology. None of the shiny paths forward that had been sold to our generation felt like they were heading anywhere good. Then, out of nowhere, a surprise! A world leader… Read More Closeness, Proximity Was the Goal

How to Remember Pope Francis by Patrick Gilger: “I’ve been asking others what they remember about Pope Francis—not what they think will happen in the long wake that will follow the end of his long papacy, but what their hearts will remember. This is because, for those of us who take the Incarnation of Christ… Read More Remembering Pope Francis

Chris Crawford writes: Others will write about Pope Francis’s legacy in the context of public life and global politics; I’d like to discuss how this feels as a lay Catholic losing their spiritual leader — one who sought to make himself as accessible as a local parish priest. Before blessing the pilgrims in Rome on… Read More Pope Francis, the Pastor

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… Read More 5 Themes of Pope Francis’ Papacy

Kim Daniels, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University: “That humility really was a hallmark of his papacy”: Kim Daniels, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, on Pope Francis’ legacy. pic.twitter.com/vdRKc16pjE — Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) April 23, 2025 Father… Read More US Catholics Leaders on Pope Francis

Christopher Hale writes: But Francis didn’t just lead the Catholic Church. He invited the world to follow a different kind of leadership, one built on humility, not hubris. Now, as the world grieves, the urgent question is not how we will remember Pope Francis, but how we will live because of him. From the first… Read More The Humility, Authenticity, and Mercy of Pope Francis