Who could have guessed that the unknown man standing on the balcony waving timidly
Would part the ocean.
Who could have imagined that a man now called “Pope”
Would pay his hotel bill and drive a Ford Fiesta home?
Who would have foreseen a Holy Father kissing the feet
Of a young Muslim woman?
The man who we would call Francis
Bore the name with such integrity and grace that he made Francis real in our century.
He surprised us at every turn, alternating simplicity, humility, prophetic vision, and stunning compassion.
He spoke words we will never forget: Smell like the sheep. Field hospitals. Missionary Disciples. Our common home. Synodality.
He changed the Vatican. He changed the Cardinals.
He changed the template for being pope. He changed the world.
He is now where he belongs: his big embrace merged with the Great and Holy embrace. A most magnificent encuentro.
We will remember this tender man with affection even as his witness challenges us to our bones.
Rest in peace, Francis.
by Jack Jezreel