Fr. Joe: The election of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio as the Successor of St. Peter was historically significant on many levels. He became the first pope from Latin America and the New World, the first Jesuit to hold the papacy, and the first Pontiff from the Global South. These groundbreaking milestones will undoubtedly remain central to his legacy.

By choosing the name "Francis," the Pope expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. This influential choice will certainly be remembered as a defining aspect of his papacy. St. Francis is renowned for being called by God to "Rebuild His Church" through prayer, poverty, and peace. Pope Francis remained true to this inspiration in both practical and prophetic ways throughout his papacy.
Pope Francis will be remembered for his missionary heart. He consistently promoted the Church's missionary activity as a direct response to Christ's Great Commission. As a genuine missionary disciple, he sought to spread the Gospel and ensure it takes root in places where Christ's message is unknown, forgotten, or rejected. With his missionary zeal, the Pope focused on a preferential option for the poor, urging Catholics to reach out to the margins of society, accompanying those who are lost, forgotten, alienated, or in need of healing. His prophetic voice often drew attention to the plight of those living on the periphery.

A core charism of the Society of Jesus is spiritual discernment, and as a Jesuit, Pope Francis shared this gift with the entire Church. His efforts to foster discernment were evident in his willingness to engage with difficult questions, his attempts to reform Church structures through synodality, and his call to cultivate a joyful Christianity that attracts the lost and welcomes new believers into the Lord's flock. He encouraged those around him, particularly within the Roman Curia, to practice discernment by listening attentively and responding to the needs of local churches while demonstrating spiritual sensitivity in the Church's governance.

Some will recall Pope Francis's papacy for the controversies it sparked within the Church. Despite opposition, Pope Francis remained unwavering in his commitment to Christ's admonition that opposition is to be expected when one boldly preaches the Gospel. He will be remembered for his courage in questioning prevailing cultural norms and urging the faithful to move beyond ideologies in favor of fostering communion.
Personally, I will remember Pope Francis as a living embodiment of Christ's prophecy to St. Peter: "When you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go (John 21:18).” At seventy-six, Pope Francis answered the Lord's call to follow in the footsteps of St. Peter. With humility and courage, he devoted himself entirely to this sacred mission.

We were truly blessed with Pope Francis, and I invite all to join in prayer that the Lord will welcome him into His Heavenly Kingdom.