Bishop Anderson reflects on Pope Francis' Ministry

My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Easter Greetings and the Joy of resurrection to you.

Like many of you, I have been thanking God for the life and ministry of Pope Francis. I am grateful that we were able to walk the earth at the same time as the Holy Father, and his authentic words and actions resonate deeply with the Gospel message.

Personally, Pope Francis has been a great inspiration for my theological and priestly vocation. His papacy was a beacon of hope, illuminating the path of Christian discipleship in a world often shrouded in darkness.

The college of Bishops have written a shared message, which you can read here.

Given that we also serve alongside many Roman Catholic sisters and brothers in our parishes, I wish to share some of my personal reflections around the impact of Pope Francis on Christianity.

Pope Francis and his Love for the Poor and Marginalised

Pope Francis, from the very beginning of his pontificate, has called us to a Church that is poor and for the poor. He reminds us constantly that the poor are not merely recipients or objects of our charity, but our brothers and sisters, with whom we are called to share our lives. He challenged us to see the face of Christ in the homeless, the refugee, the sick, and all those relegated to the margins of society. He reminded us consistently that true Christian faith compels us to action, to stand in solidarity with those who suffer, and to work tirelessly for justice. As he once so eloquent said, “How I would like a Church that is poor and for the poor!” This is not merely a slogan, but a lived reality, a constant call to conversion.

A Pope who cared for the Environment

In his most important encyclical ‘Laudato Si’, Pope Francis powerfully articulated the interconnectedness of all creation and our responsibility to care for our common home. He warned us against the dangers of a “throwaway culture” and the devastating effects of climate change, not just on the environment, but on the poorest and most vulnerable among us. He called us to an “ecological conversion,” a deep change of heart that leads us to live in harmony with creation, to respect the dignity of all living beings, and to embrace a sustainable way of life. He posed the question to us, “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up?” This question demands a response, a commitment to safeguarding the earth for future generations.

Francis and his unwavering support for Peace and Reconciliation

In a world torn apart by conflict and division, Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for peace and reconciliation. He urged us to build bridges of dialogue, to overcome hatred and prejudice, and to seek common ground with those who are different from us. He reminded us that true peace is not merely the absence of war, but the fruit of justice, love, and forgiveness. He repeatedly called for an end to violence and for the resolution of conflicts through peaceful means. Even in his last Easter message, he called for ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine.  His commitment to interreligious and ecumenical dialogue is a testament to his belief that people of different faiths and church traditions can work together to build a more just and peaceful world. Through his authentic life he reminded us that “Peace is a gift, a fragile treasure to be guarded day by day.”

A Politics Rooted in Love Rather Than Hatred

Pope Francis consistently challenged the prevailing political discourse, urging us to reject the politics of division and hatred, and to embrace a politics rooted in love and the common good. He reminded us that true leadership is about service, not power, and that the purpose of politics is to build a society where everyone can flourish. He called for a culture of encounter, where we listen to one another with respect and empathy, and work together to solve the problems facing our communities. He reminded us that “Politics is one of the highest forms of charity, because it serves the common good.” This is a powerful call to action, to engage in public life with integrity and compassion.

Sisters and Brothers, as the Roman Catholic Church prepares to bid farewell to the earthly life of Pope Francis, let us not loose sight of his universal call for Peace, Love and Justice, so that we may continue to reflect the light of risen Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.

Let us also pray for all those who are mourning across the world the death of Holy Father and may we find ways that his authentic message may continue to guide and inspire us on our journey of faith and Christian witness.

May the Risen Christ be present with you all,

Peace,

Anderson