by: Sr. Aileen Bankemper, OSB
Since Pope Francis’ illness and death many reflections about him have been written. I want to add mine. On September 8, 2018 Benedictine women from around the globe were participants at the Communion of International Benedictines Symposium held in Rome. During this event we were privileged to have an audience with the Pope. I felt so fortunate to experience this grace filled moment! Each of us had the opportunity to individually greet him. I won’t forget the kindness in his eyes and the gracious way he received each of us by taking our hands into his; it was perhaps the longest 10 seconds in my life.
During the audience, Pope Francis gave a short address touching on the essentials of Benedictine life. One particular statement has stayed with me. He said, “You come from different places and experiences, and each of you is different, and so the way you accept one another is the first sign you offer in a world that finds it hard to live out this value.” Though we might fall short in living this virtue, I am always struck by Pope Francis’ insistence that we need to mingle with, accept and love all persons.
On May 8, enter Pope Leo XIV, who in his first address echoed a similar message given by Pope Francis on Easter Sunday (the day before his death.) “Allow me to continue that same blessing God loves us, all of us…We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. . . Christ goes before us and the world needs his light. Humanity needs him like a bridge to reach God and his love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.” Thank you, Pope Leo, for your yes. How wonderful it is to have an American Pope, and one who is so involved in the universal church.
May the love of God flourish in all of us and may we be known for acceptance, loving-kindness and care.
