Above: Campus Ministry’s memorial for Pope Francis, located in the chapel. Photo courtesy of Brock Mason.
On campus, Pope Francis’ legacy has been on the minds of many following his death and burial. A mass was held in his honor along with a memorial display in the Christ the King Chapel.
SAU Alum Cade Gorzny says of his passing, “Pope Francis was definitely someone I looked up to. I appreciated that he stressed how important it is to not discriminate against someone based on their background, appearance, or abilities. When I heard he had passed, I was pulling into work and I paused before getting out to say a prayer just to thank God for giving us such a humble and genuine man to lead the Catholic Church.”
Francis was the first non-European Pope in over 1300 years and lived 88 years. Many saw him as a global leader of social justice while others were concerned with his progressive ideas.
As the first non-European Pope, he emphasized working with people from all different backgrounds and many say he’s helped bridge the gap between the Catholic Church and those outside the church.
SAU Theology and Philosophy Professor, Reverend Robert Grant says he was in St. Peter’s Square when Francis became pope and says he considers Francis to be one of the most significant popes in the last 200 years. “His efforts towards reconciliation with diverse and marginalized communities, such as LGBTQ, have changed the face of the Church.
Click here to learn what campus ministry has to say about the passing of Pope Francis.
“His efforts in Environmental Theology have actually influenced Catholics, Christians, and others around the world. When he came out onto the balcony, the first thing he did was ask everyone there for a blessing, then he rose, blessed us, and took the name ‘Francis’ in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of the environment.
“Coincidentally, we had just come from Assisi that very day. I realized we’d entered a new era in the Church. He was not disappointed, except for not staying with us a bit longer. I feel abandoned and nervous for the future, but I’m also confident that he has fundamentally changed the trajectory of history. The next pope, I sincerely hope and trust, will carry on his work.”
Casey Forbes, a senior at St. Ambrose, shared her own grief. “Pope Francis has been a leader in my life since I was a kid. Around 2021, Pope Francis had diverticula stenosis which is inflammation of the colon. A lot of people were worried it was cancerous so it was a big deal. Shortly after that happened, my mom was diagnosed with cancer.
“Both of them kept living their lives the way they knew best, showing compassion for others and sticking to their morals. I was so upset when I read about his passing. I called my mom right away and said a prayer after the call. They both inspire me to keep living my life through Jesus and to be caring towards others.”
Ambrosians are not alone. The Vatican news Instagram page made a post in honor of Pope Francis that received over 1.5 million likes in 24 hours. One prominent comment on the post was from a citizen of Tajikistan, it reads, “To us – fighters for freedom, justice, and dignity of the oppressed – Pope Francis is a symbol of hope, moral support, and a spiritual mentor.”
Brock Mason is a staff writer for The Buzz.
