Fr. Tom Mangattuthazhe –
As the world mourns, not just for the passing of a pope, but for the departure of a shepherd who truly walked among his flock. Pope Francis, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world, a legacy woven with threads of humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to unity. His voice, a beacon of conscience in a world often shrouded in darkness, may be silent, but its echoes will resonate for generations to come.
From the moment he ascended to the papacy in 2013, Pope Francis redefined the very essence of leadership. He chose the name Francis, a homage to the saint of Assisi, signaling a departure from the pomp and circumstance that had often defined the papacy. He was, above all, a pastor—one who, in his own words, “smelled of the sheep.” He eschewed the trappings of power, choosing instead to embrace simplicity, service, and a deep connection with the marginalized.
Francis reminded us that Christian institutions are not ivory towers, but “fields for the wounded.” He saw the Church not as a fortress, but as a field hospital, tending to the spiritual and physical needs of those on the peripheries. He challenged the faithful to step outside their comfort zones, to encounter the poor, the forgotten, and the excluded.
In a world often quick to judge and condemn, Pope Francis preached a gospel of mercy. He reminded us that God’s mercy is not weakness, but the ultimate expression of strength—a force that can heal wounds, bridge divides, and transform hearts. He extended this mercy to all, regardless of their background or beliefs, urging us to see the inherent dignity in every human being.
He broke down walls of division and hatred not with force, but with the gentle weapons of love, service, and tenderness. His papacy was marked by acts of profound humility: washing the feet of prisoners, embracing refugees, and speaking out against injustice with unwavering conviction. In a time of global fear and uncertainty, he offered a message of hope, reminding us of the joy that can be found in faith, community, and service to others.
Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for ecumenism, the movement to promote unity among Christian denominations and foster dialogue with other faiths. He understood that division weakens the Church’s witness and diminishes its ability to serve the world.
His vision of ecumenism was not about erasing differences, but about recognizing the shared values and common mission that unite all Christians. He emphasized the importance of “encounter,” of building authentic relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. He reached out to leaders of other Christian traditions, forging bonds of friendship and collaboration.
His commitment to interfaith dialogue extended beyond Christianity. He met with leaders of other world religions, seeking common ground and working together to address global challenges. He recognized that peace and justice can only be achieved through cooperation and mutual understanding.
Even confined to a wheelchair in his later years, Pope Francis continued to “walk with the world,” using his voice and his presence to advocate for the poor, the oppressed, and the environment. His physical limitations did not diminish his spirit or his commitment to serving others.
Pope Francis’s vision for ecumenism is perhaps best articulated in his 2013 apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”). In this document, he laid out a blueprint for a Church that is outward-looking, compassionate, and committed to building bridges of unity.
He described Christians as “pilgrims journeying alongside one another,” urging them to put aside suspicion and mistrust and to focus on their shared goal: “the radiant peace of God’s face.” He emphasized the importance of dialogue, practical cooperation, and openness to learning from other Christian traditions.
Evangelii Gaudium has served as a guiding light for ecumenical efforts around the world, inspiring Christians to work together on social issues, to defend the poor, to promote peace, and to protect creation. It is a testament to Pope Francis’s belief that unity is not just a theological ideal, but a practical necessity for a world in need of healing and reconciliation.
Pope Francis’s legacy is not just in the policies he enacted or the speeches he delivered, but in the lives he touched. He reminded us that the Church’s mission is not to condemn, but to embrace; not to judge, but to forgive; not to divide, but to unite.
His example challenges each of us to become bridge-builders in our own communities—to reach out to those who are different, to stand with the marginalized, and to work for peace in a world hungry for hope. His papacy was a testament to the transformative power of love, compassion, and humility.
As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate his life and his legacy. Let us honour his memory by continuing his work, by building bridges of encounter, and by striving to create a world where all are welcomed, valued, and loved. Though the shepherd’s crook has been laid down, the path he illuminated remains, guiding us toward a future of unity, peace, and justice. His voice may be silent, but the song of his heart will continue to inspire us for generations to come.
Fr. Tom Mangattuthazhe is the Secretary for Ecumenism at Northeast India Regional Bishop’s Council (NEIRBC), Guwahati, Assam.
