Three years ago, on the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis, I wrote a book story Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was born in the Jesuit, was the first to become “the pope of Californians.”
Yes, he is from Argentina, not the United States, and no, he has never visited the “best coast” in his 13 years as church leader, but by prioritizing the environment, advocating the poor, and showing commitment to people with compassionate and thoughtful values in a more enthusiastic tone of LGBTQ Catholics.
He also appointed women in leadership positions in the Vatican to be more than any Pope before him, even though he stopped his efforts to advocate for them to become priests.
After his death, and after the inspiration of collective mourning, I contacted Catholic leaders in Southern California to ask them to share how they generalize his pope—its impact, legacy and lingering inspiration.
One theme is loud and clear: Francis is a pope who prioritizes those on the edge and encourages all Catholics to do the same.
When Pope Francis began the pope, Whoopi Goldberg expressed admiration: “He is using the original plan.” Indeed. Francis takes Jesus seriously: Tolerance. Nonviolent. Unconditional, loving and compassionate acceptance. He knows that the only way to eliminate profits is to stand out. He stands with those who are rejected and those who have a burden beyond their ability to bear. He stood on the demonized person so that demonization would stop and with a one-time attitude so that we would stop throwing people away the day comes. One of his last actions as the pope was to visit prisons and stand with those who are easily despised. His life invited us to the “original plan.”
– Father Gregory Boyle, SJ, Founder of Homeboy Industries
Francis is a pastor, pope, prophet and friend who “smells like sheep” – taught us by examples that the just distribution of earth and human labor rather than charity. This is a moral obligation. He said that for Christians, the responsibility is even greater: this is the commandment. Pope Francis entrusts us all to this task. Become a “poet of social change” by encountering suffering and dreams [of] Our neighbors learn to recognize the sacredness and kindness of everyone and Mother Earth, and to practice a revolutionary love through community organizations that make everyone more likely to live with dignity and hope—“a hope that is not disappointing.”
– Joseph Tomás McKellar, Executive Director, California Pico
One of the best aspects of Francis’ legacy is his connection to young people. He opens up and understands and talks about many issues that young people care about: the LGBTQ community, the health of the planet, equity and social justice. In many ways, he calmed the Catholic Church again – this was the Pope who landed on the cover of the Rolling Stone.
– Joe Ferullo, CEO and publisher of National Catholic Journalist
Pope Francis reflects deeply the love of Jesus Christ, especially among the most vulnerable people in our society. His care and humility for all and creation attracts people of all cultures and beliefs. He moved across the world in a universal way, beyond his beloved church. He is indeed an extraordinary leader and a role model for the world, embodying the profound belief and commitment to embrace human dignity.
– Janet Gonzalez Senevilat,,,,, Director of Archdiocese of Los Angeles cares for the entire person
My heart was deeply touched by his deep love and compassion for his people as I reflect on the life and legacy of our beloved Father. He is, in every sense, a true shepherd – a smell full of flocks, walking closely through their struggles, sadness and joy. He reminds us that as pastors and bishops, our call is not far away, but from the lives of the people we serve.
– Father Angelos Sebastian, Pastor and host Curia, Orange Parish
As a Catholic university, founded by sisters St. Joseph of Carondelet, we are very grateful for the Pope’s leadership and his unwavering commitment to social justice and concern for our shared residence. Just like Pope Francis modeled, our CSJ (Sister of St. Joseph) tradition teaches us to walk humbly, to have courage and build unity through love. In honor of his legacy, may we continue to educate and empower leaders who will build a more just and compassionate world.
– Ann McElaney-Johnson, President of Mount St. Mary’s University
He was a great pope, a very great pope of my time, especially with the way he had with the periphery, which reaffirmed the ministry I arrived outside the church. From the outset, his words made it clear that this purpose was more than the church and that it would have an increasingly wide range. He did achieve this in his 13 years as Pope.
– Father Michael Gutierrez, Pastor St. Louis, Lapuente French Catholic Church
Pope Francis modeled a Pope based on inclusion, compassion and dialogue, at the heart of the LMU mission. I found special inspiration at the Bishops’ meetings, and he invited a more in-depth listening, sharing discernment and group travel to the bold invitation of the church around the globe. His legacy, especially our connection as the first Jesuit Pope, allows us to live as servant leaders and build communities rooted in compassion and justice.
– Thomas Poon, President-elect, Loyola Marymont University
Pope Francis is a true prophecy in a world where human dignity is challenged and attacked. He called each of us [to] Go to the periphery so that we can act as poor and marginalized mercies. We are lucky in Los Angeles that Archbishop Gomez is a spiritual leader who took a call from Pope Francis and established the Office of Our Life, Justice and Peace so that we can respect all human life: unborn immigrants, our immigrants, our brothers, our siblings, suffering from homelessness, our seniors, our seniors and our sick. This is the mission of Pope Francis and we will proudly continue to enjoy this radical accompaniment spirit in recognition of the sanctity of our neighbors.
– Michael P. Donaldson, Senior Director, Office of Justice and Peace, Archdiocese, Los Angeles
I doubt Pope Francis never cared about the reformed church as he was just trying to reveal the fullness and power of the church’s most basic teachings – God is love, we know God more fully, and our highest calling and greatest joy may just live in that is true.
– Father Brendan P. Busse, SJ, priest, Dolores Missionary Church
