I was surprised and saddened on Easter Monday to hear of the death of Pope Francis. My immediate thought was that with Easter’s proclamation that death’s sting is gone and the grave no longer has the victory still ringing in our ears, there is comfort from Jesus in this death – as indeed for all who die ‘in Christ’. As the news emerged of Pope Francis’ deteriorating health and his work even on the day before his death – Easter Sunday – I think most people would have wished for a less gruelling work ethic for him but accept that one acts as one believes best which, in this case, reflected a pastoral heart for all people. And so we pray for those who mourn – particularly Roman Catholics – that our risen Lord will comfort them – and perhaps we also begin to pray for God’s guidance as a new bishop of Rome is elected.
I suppose historians will be better at determining Pope Francis’ legacy. Pundits and commentators are certainly discussing his papacy – and his ministry – and his family and background – and his health – it is all part of the tapestry – and we hear that he was a polarising pontiff; ‘political’ – engaging in political and economic commentary; emphasising care for the environment, for refugees, and for the poor; he engaged in ecumenical and inter-faith activities; and he sought to change the structure of the church from hierarchical to much more synodical (listening as wide as possible to the whole church). What will remain of his work remains to be seen – as it is for all ministry. I was drawn to stories of his humility – regarding his accommodation, dress, transport – and his attention to detail in his personal interactions – often it is the little thing that can reveal a great deal – and how you see yourself and treat people can be one of the best witnesses for Christ.
I don’t expect to be invited to the funeral but I intend to watch it (professional curiosity 🙂 ) – after all the relationship between Lutherans and Roman Catholics while cordial and engaging in dialogue at various levels now has been, shall we say, fractious in the past. The Lutheran reformers of the 16th century objected to the supremacy of the papacy over every other pastor and bishop; that the papacy had the authority to use the ‘political sword’ in the world; and believing this about the papacy was necessary for salvation. The Lutheran reformers saw the overall extensive hierarchy of the church as functional in support of the Gospel. The office of the public ministry – pastors and bishops – was established by Jesus to bring Word and Sacraments to people – and the only ‘sword’ they could use was God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12). Lutherans and Roman Catholics today live in the trajectory of these views – and yes, our churches talk together in ways not done before but we don’t agree on everything!
But the Christian landscape – the ecumenical scene – is different today and while theological discussions remain critical – another side of things are the personal relationships cultivated where people get to see and experience how other followers of Jesus teach and behave. I think it very important for Lutherans to be active ecumenically. In that Pope Francis seemed to excel that to follow Christ is to serve the poor and a poor Church would do that very well. That would mean more and more reliance on God’s grace. And who would disagree with that?! After all, it is by God’s grace that Pope Francis and all Christians have been saved.
GS