Three years ago, on the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis's papacy, I wrote a history Describing the humble Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born at the birth of the Jesuits, as the first Pope to be “a bit Californian.”
Yes, he was from Argentina, not from the United States, and no, he never visited the “best coast” during his 13 years as head of the Church, but by prioritizing the environment, defending poor people and hitting a more cozy tone with LGBTQ Catholics, he demonstrated a commitment to the compassionate and mental values open that many Californians share.
He also appointed more women for leadership roles in the Vatican than any Pope before him, although he stopped in advocating because they became priests.
Following his death, and the collective duel that is inspired, I contacted Catholic leaders throughout the southern California, asking them to share how their papacy summarizes: their impact, legacy and persistent inspiration.
A single theme appeared out loud and clear: Francis was a Pope who prioritized those of the margins and encouraged all Catholics to do the same.
When Pope Francis began his papacy, Whoopi Goldberg expressed his admiration: “He goes with the original program.” Indeed. Francis took what Jesus took seriously: inclusion. Nonviolence. Unconditional, friendly kindness and compassionate acceptance. I knew that the only way to erase the margins was to highlight them. He stood up with those whose dignity had been denied and those whose loads were more than they could bear. He stopped with the demonized so that the demonization stopped and with the disposable, so that the day we stop throwing people would stop. One of his last acts like Pope was to visit a prison and stop with the easily despised and the easy ones to leave out. All his life invited us to “the original program.”
– Father Gregory Boyle, SJ, Founder, Homeboy Industries
Francis, a pastor, potato, prophet and friend who “smelled of his sheep,” he taught us through the example that working for a fair distribution of the fruits of the earth and human work is not a mere philanthropy. It is a moral obligation. For Christians, he said, responsibility is even greater: it is a commandment. Pope Francis entrusts us to all this task. Become “social change poets” finding sufferings and dreams [of] Our neighbors learn to recognize the sacred and goodness of each person and mother earth, and practicing a type of revolutionary love through the community organization that makes it more possible that each person lives with dignity and hope: “A kind of hope that does not disappoint.”
– Joseph Tomás McKellar, Executive Director, Pico California
One of Francis's best aspects was his connection with young people. It was open and comprehensive and talked about issues that mattered to many young people: the LGBTQ community, the health of the planet, justice and social justice. In many ways, he made Catholicism cool again: this was the Pope who landed on the Rolling Stone deck.
– Joe Ferullo, CEO and editor, national Catholic reporter
Pope Francis deeply reflected the love of Jesus Christ, especially among our most vulnerable in society. His care and humility for all people and creation attracted people of all cultures and religions. He moved to this world in an ecumenical way that went beyond his beloved Church. He was really an extraordinary leader and a model to follow for the world that embodied a deep faith and commitment to adopt the dignity of the human person.
– Jeanette González Seneviratne, Director of Care of the whole person, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
While I reflect on the life and legacy of our beloved Holy Father, my heart is deeply moved by the deep love and compassion he showed for his people. It was, in every way, a true shepherd, one who carried the aroma of his flock, walking closely with them through their struggles, their sorrows and their joys. He reminded us, as priests and bishops, that our call is not by far but within the life of those we serve.
– Father Angelos Sebastian, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of Orange
As Universidad Católica founded by the sisters of St. Joseph de Carondelet, we are very grateful for the leadership of our Pope and his unwavering commitment to social justice and the care of our common home. Like Pope Francis modeling, our CSJ tradition (Congregation of the Sisters of San José) teaches us to walk with humility, act with courage and build unity through love. When honoring its legacy, we continue to educate and empower leaders who will build a more fair and compassionate world.
– Ann mcelay-Johnson, President, Mount St. Mary's University
It was a great Pope, a great Pope of my time, especially the way he reached the peripheries, which reaffirmed the ministry that I had to arrive outside the Church. From the beginning, his words made it clear that this pontificate was more than the Church, which would have a larger and greater reach. He really made that happen in his 13 years as Pope.
– Father Michael Gutiérrez, Pastor, St. Louis of the Catholic Church of France, La Puente
Pope Francis has modeled a papacy based on inclusion, compassion and dialogue, values in the heart of the LMU mission. I found a particular inspiration in the Synodality Synod, its bold invitation for the global church to adopt a deeper listening, a shared discernment and a collective journey. His legacy, especially with our connection with him as the first Jesuit Pope, allows us to live as service leaders, building communities rooted in empathy and justice.
– Thomas Poon, Elected president, Loyola Marymount University
Pope Francis was a true prophetic voice in a world where human dignity has been challenged and attacked. Called each of us [to] Go to the peripheries, so that we can act as agents of mercy to the poor and the marginalized. We are blessed here in Los Angeles with having Archbishop Gómez as a spiritual leader who assumed this call from Pope Francis, forming our life, justice and peace position so that we can honor all human life: the unborn, immigrants, our brothers and sisters who suffer from homeless people, elders and sick and murmured. This was the mission of Pope Francis, and we will continue to live this radical accompaniment spirit that honors the holiness of our neighbor.
– Michael P. Donaldson, Senior Director, Office of Life, Justice and Peace, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
I suspect that Pope Francis was never so worried about reforming the Church as he was simply trying to reveal some of the fullness and power of the most basic teachings of the Church: that God is love, that we get to know God more completely in our own love more completely, and that our highest call and the greatest joy could be living as if that were true.
– Father Brendan P. Busse, SJ, pastor, Mission Church Dolores
