As we arrive back in school for our final term together, our hearts have been saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis, at the age of 88. In recent months, his illness has been a concern for Catholics and Christians around the world; knowing that this illness would have caused discomfort and ultimately could possibly reunite him with his Father. As I have sat here this weekend, watching the news and the outpouring of love for him, it is not his illness, but it is his life which is being spoken about so fondly. Pope Francis was a pope who wanted to reunite people; especially vulnerable members of our world. He was often misunderstood for his comments or his actions, but his motive was love and acceptance. Pope Francis was clearly a pope for the poor, disadvantaged and marginalised within society. Throughout his pontificate he was very humble, turning down the Pope's traditional Apostolic palace to live in a Vatican guesthouse. In fact, he never lost his ability to be amongst people, only on Easter Sunday he was out in St Peter's square after speaking to the crowds from the balcony of the Vatican. He has chosen not to be buried in the Vatican, but in Santa Maria Maggoire Basilica, a church in a poorer district in Rome where he often went to pray before an image of Our Lady and baby Jesus. In his final testament, he stated that, ‘The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.’
It seems fitting that Pope Francis has passed away on Easter weekend, the most important weekend in our liturgical year and the weekend that we honour our Servant King. Pope Francis understood that leadership was service, even yesterday being present yesterday at the Easter Service, he wanted to stabilise the church and to continue to unite. For the past 12 years, and more, Pope Francis has been such an influence in the Roman Catholic Church. He has changed the church, but has stayed resolute to the principles of faith - to support and honour the marginalised and to live with complete universal love. This morning, we will gather as a whole school community for liturgy to celebrate the legacy of Pope Francis and to learn from his extraordinary leadership. In our Worship Area, there will be a book of celebration for the life of Pope Francis. Pupils, staff, parents and governors are invited to contribute to it through prayers, thoughts and reflections. As we continue to pilgrimage through the Year of Hope, and start to live our new Jesuit Virtues of Curious and Active, what better way to celebrate these than to acknowledge someone whose life was completely active and dedicated to making our world a better, and much more tolerant, place to live for all.
““A world full of hope and kindness is a more beautiful world.””