Pope for the people

The death of a pope sends ripples through the Catholic world, but the passing of Pope Francis resonates with a deep, personal grief, particularly in the Philippines.

In a country where Catholicism is woven into the fabric of daily life, his departure marks not just the end of a papacy but the loss of a leader who understood the struggles of the marginalized and the ordinary faithful. His papacy, so different from any that came before, left an indelible mark on the global Church and on Filipinos who felt deeply connected to him.

When Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis in 2013, he shattered expectations. The humble Argentine chose a name that reflected his deep commitment to the poor and the outcasts. His papacy was a stark departure from papal tradition: less regal, more relatable.

Francis rejected the pomp of the papacy, living simply in a Vatican guesthouse rather than the grand papal apartments. His humility mirrored the struggles of everyday people, especially those in the Philippines, where many grapple with poverty, inequality, and limited access to essential services.

But it wasn’t just his simple lifestyle that endeared him to the Filipino people — it was his profound emphasis on social justice, inclusivity, and compassion. Francis championed the rights of the marginalized: the poor, the dispossessed, and, notably, women.

Pope Francis made concrete efforts to elevate their role in a Church where women have often been sidelined. He established the Vatican’s first female advisory commission and advocated for women’s increased participation in Church decision-making.

This was revolutionary — a message that resonated powerfully in a nation where women play crucial roles in family and community life but often lack the leadership positions they deserve.

Filipino women, in particular, felt seen. Mothers, educators, health workers, and activists saw in Francis a pope who acknowledged their struggles, and celebrated their contributions to society. His support for gender equality was not just words, but action — something that set him apart from previous pontiffs whose silence on women’s issues often spoke louder than their words.

His papacy was also marked by a willingness to address the Church’s most contentious issues.

Where his predecessors clung to doctrinal purity, Francis sought to bring pastoral care, compassion, and inclusion to the forefront. He tackled difficult conversations about divorce, marriage equality, and LGBTQIA rights with a sensitivity that many had longed for. In a time of profound division and disillusionment, his message was one of healing and dialogue.

Pope Francis’ stance on poverty, inequality, and systemic change struck a chord in the Philippines, a country where faith and social issues are deeply intertwined.

His 2015 visit was a moment of profound connection. His presence among the people — wading through crowds, kissing babies, embracing the suffering — was more than a photo op. It was a genuine expression of solidarity with a nation reeling from natural disasters, poverty, and corruption.

His message of love, compassion, and collective responsibility resonated long after he left. For many Filipinos, it was as though he truly understood their struggles.

Pope Francis’ embrace of the poor, challenge of established norms, and call for a more inclusive Church made him a pope for the people. Unlike his predecessors, who often seemed more focused on preserving tradition than meeting the needs of the faithful, Francis chose the path of transformation. His humility, openness to dialogue, and unflinching commitment to justice left an imprint on the hearts of millions.

For the Philippines, where faith is at once a source of strength and a lens through which social issues are examined, Pope Francis was not just a spiritual leader. He was a companion in the struggle, a voice for the voiceless, and a reminder that the Church’s mission is to save souls and serve the poor, the sick, and the oppressed.

In an increasingly divided world, Pope Francis’ papacy stands as a testament to the power of compassion and inclusion. He was a pope for the people, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who strive for a more just and humane world.