This morning, Pope Francis passed away. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church was someone who was unafraid to oppose war, neoliberalism and stood with the oppressed of the world. In the obituaries written about this wonderful man, here is what they won’t tell you…
1. His Holiness stood with those who were victims of injustice. That is why Pope Francis met with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s wife, Stella when he was imprisoned and psychologically tortured by the British government. It was an endorsement of Assange’s plea for freedom.
2. The Pope saw our neoliberal system as one that exploits the poor and working class for the gains of the oligarchy. He called unfettered capitalism “the dung of the devil.” When the pandemic ravaged the world, he criticized capitalism harshly, “The fragility of world systems in the face of the pandemic has demonstrated that not everything can be resolved by market freedom,” he wrote. “It is imperative to have a proactive economic policy directed at ‘promoting an economy that favours productive diversity and business creativity’ and makes it possible for jobs to be created, and not cut.”
3. As Israel committed a genocide in Gaza, the Pope didn’t hold his tongue. When a Catholic parish in Gaza was attacked by Israel, he labeled the action terrorism. “Some say, ‘This is terrorism. This is war.’ Yes, it is war. It is terrorism,” he said. “That is why the Scripture affirms that ‘God stops wars… breaks the bow, splinters the spear’ (Psalm 46:10). Let us pray to the Lord for peace.” Before his death, he called Israel’s actions genocide and called for further investigations, “According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide.” In his final speech, he called for a ceasefire, “I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace."
4. After several trips to the hospital, the Pope told the world he should not be the only one allowed to receive healthcare. It should be a right of all people. "A world that rejects the sick, that does not assist those who cannot afford care, is a cynical world with no future. Let us always remember this: health care is not a luxury, it is for everyone," the Pope said.
5. The holy leader’s condemnation of the military-industrial complex was so vociferous and strong, he suggested those who participated in it could not enter heaven. There are many examples of the Pope expressing anger at arms manufacturers. “Why so many powerful people do not want peace? Because they live off wars!” he said, explaining to these children that some people make money by producing and selling weapons. “And this is why so many people do not want peace,” he said. “They make more money with the war!” In a separate Christmas address, he called weapons makers, “merchants of death.” He explained to the crowd, "It should be talked about and written about, so as to bring to light the interests and the profits that move the puppet strings of war," he said. "And how can we even speak of peace, when arms production, sales and trade are on the rise?"
6. The Pope was unafraid to stand against American hegemony and push peace. Early in his papacy, he used his diplomatic efforts to demand the United States lift the embargo against the Cuban government. For a brief time, the efforts of Francis worked. President Obama met with Cuban leader Raul Castro to begin a new chapter in economic/diplomatic relations. This progress was overturned by the incoming Trump administration. When the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began, the Pope offered to have the Vatican host peace talks, but he condemned NATO for provoking Russia.
7. His Holiness was the first leader of the Church to demand care of the environment be an official part of Catholic doctrine. His condemnations of the fossil fuel industry terrified them. In 2018, executives from the industry flew to the Vatican to plead their case to the Pope and ask for leniency. It didn’t work. Pope Francis would use his words and encyclicals to call for an end to climate destruction and demand a healthy planet be handed over to future generations.
Today, I with millions of Roman Catholics, mourn the loss of this beautiful soul. As he lived humbly and well below his means, he continued to do what he said he would do: transform the church into a field hospital. An institution that didn’t pontificate from far away. Instead, an institution that went to the victims of war, capitalism and neoliberalism and saw them as wounded children of God.
He lived and personified the words we find in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Let us all try to find the strength and courage within us to be peacemakers and create the Beloved Community many dedicated their lives to building.
Today, I say to a noble peacemaker such as Pope Francis, “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
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