Sadness, yes. Also profound gratitude for Pope Francis’ life and ministry. A Pope, a Jesuit, a man of many contradictions, but firstly of a profound love for Jesus Christ, for His Church, and for the whole world. A prophetic voice that did not fear to speak truth to those in power, and to stand for those who are side lined, downtrodden and seen as weak.

I think that God granted him the greatest grace in dying in Easter Week, a reminder that our grief needs to be always read in the light of the Paschal mystery. Our liturgy prohibits us from living this time in mourning, so we are called to celebrate his life, with our tears of sadness mixed with the joy of Easter.

I dare apply the words of Cardinal Ratzinger at the funeral of Pope John Paul: “We can be sure that our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of the Father’s house, that he sees us and blesses us. Yes, bless us, Holy Father.” In the good company of St John Paul, of Pope Benedict, and all the whole host of heaven, pray for us Holy Father.

As a “soundtrack”, I choose this energetic rendition of Frisina’s “Cantico del Mare” – the song of Miriam and Moses in Exodus 15. In the eyes of faith, this is not a moment of sadness, but of triumph.

[first published in Facebook, 22.04.2025]