He Led From Courage and Grace

I couldn’t write this yesterday. Even today, my heart feels a quiet ache.

The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of an era – one that dared to bring compassion back into places where doctrine too often shouted louder than love. I have not been a practicing Catholic for years, but I grew up Catholic and, for me, Pope Francis was a hero. Not because he was perfect, but because he was brave. He stood in the shoes of a fisherman and used his voice to soften walls, to open doors, and to remind us of what the heart of spiritual leadership truly looks like.

He chose the name “Francis” after the beloved saint who walked barefoot with the poor. And he lived into that name in a way the world could feel.

In a time when many leaders built borders, Pope Francis opened arms, rejecting a palatial home for a modest apartment, and leaving impressive garments for clothing that made him more approachable and relatable.

In a world of fast judgments, he whispered mercy. He washed the feet of strangers. He cared for the Earth. He knelt with those on the margins. And he did what few dared to do – he made the Catholic Church more human.

He Dared To Take a Stand

Here are some of the powerful stances he took that touched my soul and changed the course of modern faith:

1. He embraced the refugee. In April 2016, Pope Francis visited a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece, and brought 12 Syrian refugees back to Rome. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/16/pope-francis-flies-to-lesbos-to-highlight-humanitarian-crisis-in-europe

2. He spoke of mercy as medicine. Pope Francis described the Church as a ‘field hospital after battle. https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/francis-chronicles/pope-s-quotes-field-hospital-church

3. He declared the Earth sacred. In Laudato Si’, he called for urgent action against climate change. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

4. He challenged capitalism. In Fratelli Tutti and Evangelii Gaudium, he critiqued unfettered capitalism and emphasized people over profits. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html

5. He made space for women. He appointed women to Vatican leadership roles, such as Sister Nathalie Becquart. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/04/21/pope-francis-legacy-women-church-leadership-249956

6. He welcomed the LGBTQ+ community. His phrase ‘Who am I to judge?’ and pastoral outreach to same-sex couples reflected his inclusivity. (https://apnews.com/general-news-7b465b60945f40deb3a68b3de742f84a

7. He denounced the death penalty. He declared it inadmissible in all cases, reinforcing life’s sanctity. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-08/pope-francis-cdf-ccc-death-penalty-revision-ladaria.html

8. He reached across religions. He actively fostered interfaith peace with global religious leaders. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-interreligious-dialogue-islam-judaism.html

9. He spoke out against nationalism. In Fratelli Tutti, he warned against rising nationalism and promoted global fraternity. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html

10. He walked with the poor. He called for a Church ‘that is poor and for the poor.’ https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/04/21/pope-francis-death-legacy-us-church-opposition-249958

He was a True Leader

This man… he didn’t just lead. He served. In doing so, he reminded many of us that leadership rooted in love is not weakness—it’s revolutionary.

I didn’t agree with everything he said or did but I trusted his heart. I saw a man who held prayer close and ego loosely. A man who kept stepping into sacred discomfort to ensure others didn’t stay on the outside of spiritual life.

Go in Peace

In this moment of goodbye, I feel more committed than ever to following my own spiritual path and finding my holy courage, embodying grace, as he did, especially when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Pope Francis, you showed the world a different way to lead.

Thank you.

Go in peace, Holy Father. And may your legacy continue to ripple through every soul who dares to love bigger than their fear.