Ten years have passed since 13 March 2013, when, from St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope who came from the “ends of the earth” appeared.
From that precise moment, Pope Francis began to make himself known through his smile, his closeness, his warmth, and his welcome.
In 10 years he has written, travelled, met people, exhorted, prayed... with contagious enthusiasm and a communicative transparency capable of capturing the attention and listening even of the most distracted and distant.
Three encyclicals that mark a journey
Through his three encyclicals – Lumen fidei, Laudato si’, Fratelli tutti – he mapped out a clear path for his people and for all people of good will.
One cannot claim to believe without allowing oneself to be challenged by reality, by the challenges of the contemporary world, and by the poverty that inhabits hearts and homes.
The Pontiff listened to everyone and, in years when individualism, a lack of care for creation, and war seem intent on extinguishing every light and every hope, his words, his presence, and his guidance have reinvigorated the strength of the most discouraged and marked a renewal inside and outside the Church.
The man of hope
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the man who came from the ends of the earth, the man who lived in beautiful and challenging Argentina, knew how to bring to the wealthy West, rich in possessions but sometimes poor in sharing, the teaching of a hand extended to everyone. The lesson that comes from a school attended along roads, in squares, homes, hospitals, in the family, in the parish... and wherever there is a need for help, a “thank you,” an act and a word of mercy, from the heart.
“Do not forget to pray for me”
On the day of his anniversary, we give him what he has been asking us for 10 years: prayer.
Let us remember him in our prayers, entrust his intentions to the Lord, and continue listening to his voice as a father who wishes to lead us into the arms of the merciful God because, as he never tires of reminding us: “God always forgives!”
