Papa Franciscus (Pope Francis); the People’s Pope
The year is 2013. Pope Benedict the XVI has surprisingly resigned, to the shock of most of the world. Some of us are not too shocked because, when Pope Benedict was elected after Saint Pope John Paul II, our thinking was “oh he has been elected at a very old age”. However, God would prove Himself right as the Pope Benedict XVI would live for 17 more years after his installation as Pope before being called to eternity.
After the Pope resigned, a papal conclave was convened to elect his Successor. And did we all prayed fervently: “for a first African Pope. In the person of His Eminence Peter Cardinal Kodwo Appiah-Turkson.” A man who has two of my Family names as his surname, my personal idol and a personal favourite. “God let it be Cardinal Turkson”, I usually would clasp my hands in fervent prayer. “However not ours, but your will be done.”, I often remembered to add.
At the end of the 2013 Papal conclave, the then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was announced as the Successor of Peter for the present period! Everyone strained their ears and eyes, to see who our beloved next Pope was. After my initial disappointment (since it wasn’t Cardinal Turkson), I was in awe when I saw the aura of the new Pope-elect!
His Humility was palpable, and his gentleness astounding, so much so you could literally feel it. For me, it was love at first sight! J A worthy successor of the former Pope, and a worthy successor of Saint Peter. It became even much more telling when the new Pope took the Title of Franciscus! From St Francis of Assisi, a Saint known for both his humility and dedication to peace. Now, most Catholics are familiar with the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi. Much was our joy as a Church when he was announced.
A year later, I was privileged by God to meet him in Malmö, Sweden. Such a joy it was, both in my time of anticipation for the run-up to the fateful day I would meet him, and while I waited for him to appear in the arena where He celebrated Mass with us. The excitement when he entered the arena was just sweet. If excitement can be tasted. And he waved to me personally ! His Homily was about humility, consideration, and love for people, for migrants. I wished now that I had written a full account.
During the 2025 Lenten season, it was announced that the Pope was ill. The Faithful threw our weight behind him as our Chief Shepherd, and interceded for him. Personally, I had no hope. I thought he may surely die because of his age, but pray I did. But with only the faintest of hope. But miraculously, I heard that he had been discharged from the hospital. My relief knew no bounds. I was happier when he was able to join in Easter Sunday, and giving the popular Urbi et Orbi blessing from St Peter’s Basilica. I even watched him in an Instagram post receiving J.D. Vance. And erupted in laughter at some of the comments I saw.
Next day at 10 am, Easter Monday, I got the news that our Pope had passed on to eternity. I could not believe it. Just when I was still reveling in my miracle of seeing him again up and about. Oh wow! I did nothing but watch photos of him the whole day.
His funeral at St. Peter’s Square has been as historical as his papacy and in fact his life. And he will be very much missed. Although his papacy has at times been tainted with scandals, his message to the world was so clear. And his message was peace.
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is Hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is Injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is Hatred, love
Where there is Despair, hope and
Where there is darkness, light
Where there is sadness, joy.
Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love,
For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life! AMEN!!
