Pope Francis rekindled the interest in Catholicism among the youth in Southern California.
Rewritten Article
Our Take on Pope Francis: Southern California Catholic Leaders Reflect on Legacy of Progressive leader
After a 13-year reign, Pope Francis bid farewell at the tender age of 88 on Monday. The crystal-clear consensus among Southern California's Catholic leaders is that this humble Jesuit - hailing from Argentina - was a trailblazer who catered to the vulnerable and catalyzed empathy, both within the Church and beyond.
Three years ago, to mark the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis' papacy, I penned a piece characterizing him as the first pope to embrace a bit of Californian values, albeit born in Argentina. It was his commitment to the environment, the downtrodden, the LGBTQ community, and taking a more welcoming stance on matters of faith that resonated with the compassionate, open-minded values so deeply ingrained in California's populous.
In the spirit of reminiscing, I connect with Catholic front-runners across Southern California, inviting them to share their reflections on Pope Francis' influence - the ripple effects, the legacy, and the enduring inspirations. Unsurprisingly, a singular theme resounded loud and clear: Francis was a pope obsessed with shining a light on those dwelling on society's fringes, pushing all Catholics to follow suit.
A Pastor, a Prophet, and a Friend
Father Gregory Boyle, S.J., the visionary founder of Homeboy Industries, expressed, "[Francis] taught us through example that promoting a just distribution of the earth's resources and labor is not mere charity; it is a moral necessity. For Christians, this responsibility is paramount - a commandment."
Joseph Tomás McKellar, executive director of PICO California, echoed this sentiment, praising the pope's "bold invitation for the global church to embrace deeper listening, shared discernment, and collective journeying." In other words, make a revolutionary change by empathizing with the struggles and dreams of our neighbors and treating each person with the reverence and respect they deserve.
The Cool Factor
Joe Ferullo, CEO and publisher of National Catholic Reporter, offered a unique perspective: "Pope Francis, through his approachable and understanding demeanor, rekindled the cool aspect of Catholicism. His public support of LGBTQ rights, concern for the planet, and advocacy for fairness and social justice resonated with many young people."
Empathy and Justice
Jeanette Gonzalez Seneviratne, director of Caring for the Whole Person for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, acknowledged, "Francis' care for the downtrodden and his profound empathy towards all people and creation endeared him to hearts from all cultures and faiths. He transcended religious boundaries whilst modeling the sacredness and goodness of every individual."
A True Shepherd
Father Angelos Sebastian, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Orange, reminisced fondly on their bond, stating, "[Francis] was a true shepherd - one who bore the scent of his flock, walking side by side with them through their trials, sorrows, and joys." Indeed, he made the clergy remember the importance of serving those on the margins.
Building a Brighter Future
Ann McElaney-Johnson, president of Mount St. Mary's University, added, "As a Catholic university founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we are eternally grateful for Pope Francis' leadership and unwavering commitment to social justice and taking care of our shared home. As he modeled, our CSJ tradition urges us to walk humbly, act courageously, and build unity through love. Let's honor his legacy by educating and empowering leaders who will forge a more just and compassional world."
In the spirit of unity and love, let us celebrate Pope Francis' remarkable legacy. Though he may be gone, his teachings continue to resonate and inspire in our hearts - a true testament to his remarkable impact on the Catholic Church.
Additional Reads
- Voices Arellano: Archbishop Gomez, follow Pope Francis' example
- Voices Calmes: Francis addressed the issues clearly. It would be a miracle if the administration listened
- The path to picking a new pope - and what role California will play
Enrichment Insights:
- Pope Francis' legacy, as observed through Southern California Catholic leaders, is marked by emphases on social justice, environmental concerns, and a more inclusive approach toward the LGBTQ community, albeit with mixed reactions.
- Leader responses highlight Francis' humility, calls to serve the marginalized, and his expansion of dialogue on complex issues such as the divorced and remarried, contraception, and addressing poverty and inequality.
- Pope Francis' environmental advocacy encouraged local Catholic communities to care for the planet, especially the encyclical Laudato Si’. His inclusive stance on LGBTQ issues was welcomed by progressive Southern California Catholic leaders.
- However, some communities criticized the pope for limiting his reforms or not going far enough to align with progressive values. The complexity of reactions reflects the ongoing tension between traditional and more progressive elements within the Catholic Church.
- In the final days of his papacy, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of prioritizing environmental justice, a reminder to Californians and the world that supporting the health of our planet is crucial for future generations.
- The editorial celebration of Pope Francis' legacy must also acknowledge the diverse views within Southern California's Catholic community, reflecting the ongoing discussion surrounding the role of finance, leadership, and culture in shaping the Church's values and mission.
- As Californians, we should follow the legacy of Pope Francis by embracing empathy, justice, and dialogue, building a culture that encourages diversity and inclusivity, especially in addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and the rights of the LGBTQ community.
- In the face of mounting controversies and challenges, the upcoming papal election must consider the arguments from the different perspectives within Southern California's Catholic community, focusing on the values of the environment, social justice, and the welfare of the marginalized.
- In emulating the leadership of Pope Francis, it is essential for business leaders in Los Angeles to prioritize empathy and social responsibility in their operations, respecting and valuing all employees and stakeholders, not just their financial bottom line.
- As academic institutions in California, we should honor the teachings of Pope Francis by fostering critical thinking, open dialogue, and ethical decision-making, ensuring that our students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of our time with compassion and justice.
- The Catholic leaders of Southern California have shared inspiring stories about their experiences with Pope Francis, each one illustrating the impact he had on their lives and their commitment to carrying on his legacy through acts of empathy, love, and justice.
- Ultimately, the enduring legacy of Pope Francis will not be confined to the realms of religion but will influence and inspire leaders across various sectors, from finance and business to politics and education, in prioritizing the welfare of people and the planet as the cornerstone of their leadership.
