Students, Staff Reflect on the Legacy of Pope Francis
Around the world, members of the Catholic Church and others are mourning the death Monday of Pope Francis.
For those with connections to Jesuit institutions, Pope Francis holds a special place. As the first Jesuit pope, his papacy often seemed like an expression of Ignatian spirituality and his example a way for those unfamiliar to grasp the basics of the Jesuit way of proceeding. Throughout his tenure leading the Church, Francis was steadfast in his commitment to the poor and marginalized as well as his call to care for the environment. For many young people of all faiths, his example was inspiring 鈥 in 2013, the 澳客足球 community celebrated his selection and in 2015, the University hosted a public watch party during his address to the U.S. Congress during a visit to the United States.
鈥淗e impacted many individuals both inside and outside the Church with his beautiful wisdom and left and astonishing legacy for future generations,鈥 said Rosa Rivera. 鈥淗e spoke up for a variety of issues in a peaceful manner. He wanted to serve the Catholic Church, not rule it.鈥
For another student, Megan Lewis, Francis鈥 example was a living testament to the power 鈥 and the necessity 鈥 of humility and forgiveness.
鈥淧ope Francis鈥檚 emphasis on mercy has impacted me and my relationships with God, family, friends and self,鈥 she said. 鈥淗e taught that God鈥檚 mercy is boundless, extending to everyone for everything, and that we are called to imitate God鈥檚 mercy, striving to forgive others and ourselves. I try to forgive and forget rather than hold grudges, remembering that we are all human and aren鈥檛 perfect like God.鈥
On Thursday, the University invited its campus and members of the community to a Mass in Francis鈥 honor. During the service, sophomore Aidan Cutter shared a reflection on how Francis provided the example of simplicity and compassion that inspired him to seek a college environment where service to others is an integral part.
鈥淭he Jesuit ideals of service was one of the main things that brought me here, because the very service that Pope Francis was so adamant about is so present here at this campus,鈥 he said.
Anna Muenchen, interim director of Campus Ministry, said she learned the news of Francis鈥 passing at about 3:30 a.m. Monday, on her way to the Denver airport to return to Kansas City after celebrating Easter at Regis University. In that moment and in the days since, she said she spent time reflecting on what the pontiff meant to her personally, to the spiritual work she does with students at Rockhurst, and to the world.
鈥淭he words of Pope Francis himself describe the legacy and understanding of his definition of faith that has been a pillar in my life: 鈥楾here鈥檚 no better way of explaining happiness than to make someone happy鈥 鈥 he is saying there's no better way to explain your faith than to live it,鈥 she said.
