Pope Francis – The Final Farewell

Text: H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus Okolo Apostolic Nuncio; Photo: Servizio Photografico de “L ‘O.R” Citta Del Vaticano

Under the impressive brightness and the enveloping joy of Easter Sunday, Pope Francis, still recuperating from his lingering illness, frail yet resolute, surrounded by his loving and compassionate assistants, lively in his humorous interruptions, after getting someone to read out his Easter message, made his final journey through St. Peter’s Square. Without knowing it, yet moved by his inner instinct, he was engulfed into the wave of a last goodbye. It was a profound gesture which eloquently and providentially summarised his life and work, and which reflected his deep connection with the people, until the end.

His voice, though weakened, hardly audible, his waving hand hardly noticeable, his heavy bright eyes carrying the weight of a lifetime devoted to compassionate looks and attentive invitations, all defied the expectations of paparazzi photographers. He never ever pretended to be photogenic, and he did not even care.

As he raised his feeble arm in blessing, the crowd of nearly 60,000 stood amazed in reverent speechlessness and unbelief, not sure whether to cheer or just to admire, a silence that sought to absorb the gravity of the moment. His last words—”Thank you for bringing me back to the Square”—were not just gratitude but a farewell, a testament to his unwavering love for the people. A true Roman soldier maintains his ground until the end, whether there is the threat of the Vesuvian eruption or the menace of the Etruscans.

In that brief instant, time seemed to pause, the world holding its breath as a leader who had walked among the suffering and the forgotten bid his final goodbye. His legacy, etched in mercy and justice, will echo far beyond the Vatican walls.

Many of those who clung to the electronic media following the event from every part of the world, would have loved to be there live, on St Peter’s Square with him. However, the inner spirit and the longing bridged the great divide. We were all there with him in spirit, relishing those few moments, as the papa-mobile slipped by, in sheer emotion, thinking that his strength was back again. It was later that some, reading their feelings backwards, acknowledged this eerie feeling they had, unsure whether it was a dream or a reality. The following morning, the media carried the message so quickly, so electrifying, that it sent shivers through every spine, and in a few minutes, every part of the world already got the news. Of course, the Vatican official information had to follow, to confirm that it was not another AI fake news.

The following Saturday, on the Eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, as he was laid to rest, in solemn silence, every one stood or sat breathless, stunned by the solemnity, the uplifting music and the emotion, the eruption of applauses on the streets during the final journey towards Santa Maria Maggiore, the voices rising in awe and gratitude. It was an experience, or rather, it was a moment etched into the soul, never to be forgotten.

The amazing number of Dignitaries from all over the world at his funeral, the young adolescents who filled the Square, all these were signs of how the world appreciates an impacting moral voice within the international sphere. The world needs such a humble, independent and neutral voice, which calls attention to the truth, ‘no matter whose ox is gored.’

Since the demise of Pope Francis on Monday, 21 April, so much has been said about him, about his legacy, about his efforts for a more just and fairer society. The condolence messages have been endless.

This man of God left a legacy imbued with profound impact, manifest courage, and respect, made evident by his unwavering commitment to social justice, humility, and inclusiveness. He called attention to the genius of the woman, and deplored the fact that they are sometimes edged out of decision-making roles in the Church and in the society. He believed that their genial approach to issues should be appreciated and that they should also play their role.

His vision for a fairer and more just society was evident in his advocacy for the marginalized. He always laid strong emphasis on mercy. His call for global solidarity was loud and eloquent. His words and actions never left anyone indifferent. He will be well remembered as a Pope who truly walked alongside the people. He was a shepherd who knew his flock. He never left anyone indifferent.

Pope Francis clearly showed remarkable courage in daring to address some of the most challenging and controversial issues within the Church and on the international sphere. He never shied away from difficult questions. He squarely faced issues of abuse in its various forms; he confronted economic inequality and tried to find ways of debt relief. His ability to engage with divisive topics, often with humility and compassion, finding ways of getting others fully involved, cemented his reputation as a leader willing to challenge the status quo.

He was not a politician but was not timid on political matters. He had access to wealth, but preferred to die not owning anything. He was elected into an institution that was complex, but he was able to bring along with him a sense of humility and simplicity which amazed his admirers.

His legacy will be defined by his fearless approach to justice and reform, attention and compassion, presence and action, courage and determination, inclusiveness, and attention to the marginalised. His leadership has certainly sparked reflections that will continue to shape the Church and society for years to come. While not claiming to be a professor like his immediate predecessor, he has been able to give the theological principle of synodality a new dimension that is both existential and productive, challenging and equally effective. His daring approach has left his papacy marked by transformative initiatives that reshaped the Catholic Church and its role in the modern world. For him, social justice and poverty alleviation were priorities which gave the poor and marginalized some visibility in a world drowned by the mad pursuit of riches to the detriment of the vulnerable, in a world where indifference is becoming the norm. His call for urgent and effective action on climate change helped to frame environmental stewardship as a moral responsibility. His push for Church reform and financial transparency helped create a good balance between theology, spirituality, finance management, best practice, and good governance. Undoubtedly, his manner of sincere dialogue helped foster dynamic and lasting relationships and partnership with leaders of other faiths, leading to the signing of historic documents like that of universal fraternity with Muslim leaders, the historic meeting with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, and other similar initiatives. By launching the Economy of Francesco initiative, he encouraged young economists and entrepreneurs to build fairer financial models. Migrants saw in him the strong advocacy they needed in order to struggle through ordeals. He boldly faced the delicate and thorny question of abuse in all forms, especially within the Church, implementing stricter policies and promoting justice.

His preparedness for death showed that he was satisfied with his efforts, and he persevered actively until the end. That last impact on Easter Sunday was forceful, real, and personal, and was involving.

You have accomplished your mission for humanity! Fare thee well, Pope Francis!