Pope Francis’ death at 88 has been mourned across the world, with tributes to his compassion, defence of the marginalised, advocacy for the poor, consistent appeals for world peace, and brave moves to open up decision making in the church. Among the tributes, he was described as ‘the very human, holy man of God’.
In this Religion Media Centre briefing, a panel of Catholic commentators remember his 12 years in office, a time of immense global change. Hosted by Ruth Peacock, the panel included: Professor Tina Beattie, Christian theologian, writer and broadcaster; Catherine Pepinster, journalist and author; Sr Dr Gemma Simmonds, senior Fellow and Director of Religious Life Institute, The Maragret Beaufort Institute; Fr Christopher Jamison, Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation; Prof Brendan Gallaher, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Exeter; Prof Anna Rowlands, St Hilda Professor of Catholic Social Thought & Practice, University of Durham; Dr Lorna Gold, Executive Director at the Laudato Si’ Movement; and Kerry Weber, an executive editor for America, a US based multi media organisation in the Jesuit tradition.
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Pope Francis: the great communicator
Pope Francis is remembered as a beloved shepherd of people on the margins, liberal and inclusive, with a theology which conservatives regarded as dangerously subversive.
