Three years ago, on the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’s Pope, I wrote a story describing the humble Jesuit-born Jorge Mario Bergolio as the first pope, “a bit of a Californian.”
Yes, he is from Argentina rather than the United States, and no, he has never visited the “best coast” for 13 years as the head of the church, but by prioritizing the environment, defending the poor and hitting a more welcoming tone with LGBTQ Catholics, he demonstrated his commitment to the values of compassion and open mind shared by many Californians.
He also appointed more women to leadership roles in the Vatican than his previous Pope, but he stopped defending them as priests.
In the wake of his death and the collective lament that inspired it, I reached out to the Catholic leaders in Southern California and asked them to share how they summarise his Holy See, its impact, legacy and lingering inspiration.
One theme has become loud and clear. Francis was the Pope who prioritized those in the margins and encouraged all Catholics to do the same.
When Pope Francis began the Pope, Whoopi Goldberg expressed her praise: “He’s going to the original program.” Certainly. Francis took what Jesus took seriously. Non-violent. Unconditional, loving, and caring acceptance. He knew that the only way to erase the margin was to stand out to them. He stood with people whose dignity was denied and with people whom the burden could not endure. He stood as demons stopped and stopped disposable. One of his final acts as a pope was to visit prisons, and set up those who were easily despised and quickly excluded. His life invited us into the “original program.”
– Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries
Francis – the pastor, the Pope, the Prophet, and a friend who “smelled like his sheep” taught us that working for the fair distribution of the fruits of the earth and human labor is not merely a charity. It is a moral obligation. For the Christian he said, the responsibility is even greater. That is a commandment. Pope Francis has all of us on this task. Becoming a “poet of social change” by encountering suffering and dreams [of] Our neighbors learn to recognize the holiness and goodness of everyone and Mother Earth, practice revolutionary love through the organisation of our community, making it more possible for all to live with dignity and hope – “a kind of hope that will not be disappointed.”
– Joseph Thomas McKellar, Executive Director of Pico California
One of the best aspects of Francis’ legacy was his connection to the young people. He was open and understood, and spoke about issues that many young people care about: the LGBTQ community, planetary health, equity, social justice. In many ways, he once again cooled Catholicism – this was the Pope who landed in the Rolling Stone cover.
– Joe Ferro, CEO and publisher of the National Catholic Reporter
Pope Francis deeply reflects the love of Jesus Christ, especially in society. His care and humility for all people and creation attracted people from all cultures and faith. He moved into this world in an ecumenical way beyond his beloved church. He was truly an extraordinary leader and a role model in the world that embodied his deep faith and commitment to embracing human dignity.
– Janet Gonzalez Seneviratne, Director of Caring for the Person, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Looking back at the life and legacy of our beloved Holy Father, my heart is deeply moved by the deep love and compassion he has shown to his people. He was, in every sense, a true shepherd. He embraced the scent of his flock, walking closely with them through their struggles, sorrows and joy. He reminded us that as priests and bishops our callings are not from afar, but from the lives of those whom we serve.
– Father Angelos Sebastian, General Vicar and Curia moderator, Orange Parish
As a Catholic University founded by the sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we are very grateful for the Pope’s leadership and his unwavering commitment to the care of our common home. As Pope Francis modeled, our CSJ (Congregation of St. Joseph’s Sisters) tradition teaches us to walk with humility, act with courage, and build unity through love. In honor of his legacy, may we continue to educate and empower leaders who build a more just and compassionate world.
– Ann McKenny Johnson, President of Mount St. Mary University
He was a great Pope, a truly great Pope of my time, and especially the way he reached the periphery, reaffirming the ministry he reached outside the church. His words made it clear from the beginning that this Pope had almost bigger, bigger and greater range than the Church. He really made it in his 13 years as Pope.
– Father Michael Gutierrez, Pastor, St. Louis of France Catholic Church, La Puente
Pope Francis modeled the Pope See, based on inclusion, compassion and dialogue at the heart of the LMU’s mission. I was particularly inspired by the conference and found his bold invitation to the global church to embrace deeper listening, shared discernment and collective journeys. His legacy, especially his connection with him as the first Jesuit pope, allows us to live as servant leaders, building a community rooted in empathy and justice.
– Thomas Poon, president-elect of Loyola Marymount University
Pope Francis was the true prophetic voice of a world where human dignity was challenged and attacked. He called each of us [to] We go out around the area so that we can act as agents of mercy to the poor and marginalized. Here in Los Angeles, Archbishop Gomez receives this call from Pope Francis, forming an office of life, justice and peace, blessed with fetuses, immigrants, immigrants, brothers and sisters suffering from homelessness, elderly people, and dying. This is Pope Francis’ mission and we live proudly in this radical accompaniment spirit that respects the holiness of our neighbors.
– Michael P. Donaldson, Senior Director, Office of Life, Justice and Peace, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
I think Pope Francis wasn’t interested in reforming the church, as he was trying to reveal something about the enrichment and power of the most basic teachings of the Church.
– Father Brendan P. Busse, SJ, Pastor, Dolores Missionary Church
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