As the world continues to mourn the death and celebrate the life of Pope Francis, our thoughts and prayers go out to our many Roman Catholic sisters and brothers who are feeling this loss most acutely.  For Francis was a seminal figure in the life of the Church, and is remembered as a man with many special gifts.  

In reflecting on his life, American commentator Thomas Reese emphasizes that the Pope’s South American background made him especially sensitive to the impact of globalization on the poor of the world, and on the plight of refugees who’ve had to flee from war zones and places of conflict in search of safety.  Canadian priest Michael Higgins sees Francis as a leader who understood himself to be pastor of the Church rather than its head, and who touched the world with his humanity and humility.  As well, others have emphasized his commitment to embracing a frugal and simple lifestyle – from foregoing life in the opulent Apostolic Palace in favour of a suite in a modest Vatican City guesthouse – to choosing to be chauffeured around in a cheap Fiat rather than a luxurious Mercedes-Benz with blacked-out windows.

Pope Francis was all this, and more.  But as I’ve been reading the Biblical story of “Doubting Thomas” in preparation for this week’s service, I’ve come to think that Francis also can be seen as a teacher who asked some probing and important questions.  Indeed, Francis regularly questioned the Church’s proclivity to see itself as an exclusive gathering place for the obedient and faithful, and wondered if, instead, it was called to be a “field hospital” for those in need of healing.  He questioned the Church’s tendency to judge and exclude those who don’t fully embrace orthodox Catholic teaching, and suggested it was time to offer the world a more inclusive and welcoming message.  And he opened discussion in the Church about whether it was time to change the Church’s traditional teachings on homosexuality and same-sex marriage, and to provide women with greater opportunities to serve.

Of course, some Roman Catholics resented these questions and grew increasingly disenchanted with his provocative musings.  And others were disappointed that Francis didn’t bring about more substantial reforms to the Church.  Nevertheless, like all good teachers, Francis raised important questions and provoked lots of debate discussion.  May we at St. Mark’s continue to learn from his example, and join Christians all around the world in giving thanks for his life and witness.