From Empty Tomb To New Life
Pope Francis greets the crowd in Rome. May perpetual light shine upon him. (1936-2025)
In 2013, I was teaching a group of eighth graders at a Catholic grade school. I had the news turned on in hope that we would witness the selection of the new pope. When the white smoke ascended, we closed our books and turned up the volume on the TV screen. He stepped out onto the balcony in St. Peter’s Square wearing a simple white robe and cross, not the regal red robe of previous popes. I heard he even refused the red shoes. He chose “Francis” as his name, the first to use it. The crowd was ecstatic at seeing the first South American pope. The excitement from across the globe was palpable in our classroom. Then he asked us to pray for him. I was stunned at his humility as silence filled the square. Hope rose like fire in my heart.
In a real and relevant way, Pope Francis taught by example and word. He pointed to Jesus and he taught us to do the same. He was a global leader of peace and God’s love, even to non-believers. Now the world mourns his death. I mourn a man who led our church with integrity and humility. When I woke up to the news, sadness overcame me, as if I was standing in the darkness of the empty tomb. In light of current events, I was clinging to his leadership like a lifeline.
And then I read his final homily given on Easter Sunday the day before. He spoke of running. Mary Magdalene ran to tell Peter and the Beloved Disciple that Jesus had risen. Then the disciples ran to the tomb to find it empty. Jesus was no longer in the tomb. We are no longer to remain in the tomb. We will find Jesus elsewhere. (You can read his brief homily here: Pope Francis’ Final Homily on Easter Sunday 2025.)
Pope Francis pointed to Jesus. We must be humble – no more arrogance, no more acting like princes. We must be tender, loving, merciful. We must show care and attention to the poor. “Who am I to judge?” We are not called to judge but to love. It really is that simple. We must care for the earth, our Common Home.
Pope Francis taught us that the time had come to embrace the teachings from the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). We must move forward as a Church. No more clinging to the past, clinging to what the Church looked like before 1962. Was Pope Francis confusing? My parish priest thought so. Wasn’t Jesus confusing to some in the first century? He was so confusing that he was labeled a blasphemer and put to death. We have much to learn as a Church, as the People of God. We are only beginning to grasp the message of God’s revelation in Jesus. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead the way and may we be willing to follow.
I have so much more to say, but for now, I will leave it with a beautiful prayer I stumbled upon yesterday. I will share it for you to pray, too. And I’ve included a link to a well-done documentary, “The Francis Effect” produced by Salt & Light TV. Take some time to find your way out of the empty tomb to new life that abounds. May hope rise in you like fire.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving For the Life of Pope Francis (Ignatian Solidarity Network)
Loving God, I am so grateful for the life of your holy servant, Pope Francis.
Through his witness, I have seen the presence of your love in all of creation, both people and planet.
Through his words, I have received your call to be a person of love and compassion.
Through his actions, I have received your inspiration to be a person of solidarity willing to stand with those on the margins.
I thank you, Dear Lord, for the gift of Pope Francis.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Pope Francis’ soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through your mercy, rest in peace. Amen
Call to Action: In the comments below, share how Pope Francis has impacted your life.
The documentary “The Francis Effect” is well worth your time. It covers the early years of Pope Francis’ role as Holy Father.
