Dear brothers, dear sisters,
Since learning of Pope Francis’s death, two balcony scenes have stayed with me: the first dates back to the evening of his election, when he presented himself to the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square; the second, two days ago, when for the last time he gave the Easter blessing “for the city and for the world”. It seems to me that these two moments, the alpha and omega of his pontificate, contain in nuce the twelve years of his ministry as Peter’s successor.
I clearly remember that first scene. I was at Cap-de-la-Madeleine with all the bishops of Quebec for the spring plenary meeting. Together, we watched the striking images broadcast on television : the pared-down garment, his quiet, shy smile, his deep inclination before the crowd he had invited to pray for him… all these gestures spoke of a man of great simplicity, humble and fraternal, attentive to ordinary people. And his name – Francis – already told us of his attachment to Jesus, to the least of his brothers and sisters, to creation itself.
His words foreshadowed the major themes of his pontificate: the invitation to fraternity, the call to evangelisation, the vision of a more synodal Church. The metaphor of the pilgrimage that animated his remarks that evening is even reflected in the theme of the current jubilee year, “Pilgrims of Hope”. In an impromptu speech lasting barely ten minutes, he sketched out the twelve years that were to come.
In his final talk just a few days ago, evoking Christ’s victory over the powers of death, he once again recalled the world’s many sufferings and urged us not to forget the victims of natural disasters, violence and war. He renewed his call for universal brotherhood and peace. He spoke words of hope:
On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas! For all of us are children of God! I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible!
His gestures this time were those of a very sick man, but still attentive to others: waving and blessing. His very presence in St Peter’s Square bore witness to the unreserved gift he had made of himself by accepting to become Bishop of Rome. He truly gave himself to the very end.
This man will always remain an inspiration and a model for me. His legacy is a vision of a renewed Church, radically focused on the Gospel and engaged in the world. It is up to us to work towards realising this vision.
With all of you, I mourn his passing, while entrusting him to the infinite tenderness of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Let us remember the last words he left us, words that, in the light of his death a few hours later, proved to be prophetic:
In the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever. He fills us with the certainty that we too are called to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more. Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new! Happy Easter to everyone!
Your elder brother,
+ Paul-André