The idea that a small white pickup truck bumping along the road in Rome, taking a plain wooden coffin to a parish church for burial might be a deeply spiritual experience is, at first sight, unlikely. For me it was the epitome of Good Pope Francis. A man of influence and power was taking his place among the people he had lived for and loved in a humble grave in the church where he had liked to worship.
For all the beauty of the Basilica, for all the heavenly singing and thoughtful prayers, for all the brilliance of the Cardinals’ red vestments, for all the panoply of the world’s leaders there to honour him, the simplicity demonstrated by his wish for his final resting place sealed the Pontificate of this wonderful man.
People in high places are taught by their media advisors to smile the warmth of their wish to engage with others. Doing so is for the most part a genuine attempt to connect. And it works. Smiling warms the heart of the person who sees it. Good, belly-based laughter is a whole further step to enrich a conversation, to enhance a good example and to create light. Popes are enlighteners first and foremost.
Humility is truth and Good Pope Francis was humble enough to let us see his humility. His gentle suppression of the harsher aspects of being head of a worldwide congregation, in favour of modesty and moderation, is a lesson the world desperately needs right now. He showed us how.
Please may we all help calm the vicissitudes of life by following his example.
And have a good laugh at our absurdities and a humble resting place at the end.
Bless you, Good Pope Francis. We will remember you every time we laugh.
Amen
John Bittleston
Whatever your creed, or none, you may care to say a prayer of thanks for his life.
27 April 2025
