The disappearance of Papa Francis aroused an answer both deep and collective in Rome, highlighting a complex link between spirituality, community and the values embodied by the pontiff. More than 400,000 people gathered to say goodbye, thus illustrating the considerable impact of François, not only as a spiritual leader, but also as a symbol of an open and inclusive church.
The journey of his funeral convoy, which took the form of a slow and respectful procession, crossed the 5.1 kilometers which separate the Vatican from the Sainte-Marie-Majeure basilica. This choice of journey, along which thousands of faithful were positioned, was imbued with broader meanings than the simple ritualization of funeral rites. The presence of people from various social strata-migrants, homeless, detainees and people from the LGBTQ+ community-among special guests during the randomness underlines the constant effort of François to widen ecclesiastical discourse to contemporary social issues. His willingness to listen to marginalized has translated the values of compassion and empathy, which may seem, for some, to be out of step with the more rigid traditions of the Church.
François’ choice to rest in a modest tomb, marked only by his Latin name, Franciscus, also constitutes a rich act of symbolism. In an era when ornaments and prestige seem to dominate, this simplicity invites us to reflect on the way in which we perceive power and authority, in favor of a form of spirituality more centered on humility and common service. This homecoming reminds us that for him, being pope was going beyond the status. He always wanted to be perceived above all as a priest, an approach that could be seen as a kind of redemption for institutions, sometimes perceived as disconnected from social realities.
François’ funeral also refresh a discussion on the way in which religious institutions must evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century. In a world where divisions increase and where hatred and intolerance can often predominate, how can the Church embody a voice of reason and reconciliation? The presence of new faces during these ceremonies suggests a possibility. But at what price? By oscillating between secular traditions and social modernities, how could the Church maintain its integrity when it embraces changing realities?
By questioning this dynamic, we cannot ignore the feeling of belonging that this pontiff cultivated. The massive crowd united on the occasion of its funeral seems to suggest that this desire for belonging, solidarity and community is and remains of capital importance in the face of growing isolation felt by many in diversified contexts.
The heritage of François, who aims to be both pastoral and social, offers a potential path for a renewed dialogue on the role of religions in our current society. Faced with the challenges of poverty, integration and identity in a globalized world, what lessons could we learn from its approach? Sometimes perceived as regressive, can the Church find the means to advance without giving up its fundamentals?
This moment of goodbye to François could well serve as a catalyst for a deeper reflection on the way in which religious institutions – and Catholicism in particular – can continue to evolve while remaining faithful to their essence. It is an interrogation which is not limited to a single man, but which extends far beyond, to each institution which is confronted with the tumultuous waves of societal change.
In a context where it is often easier to divide than to bring together, François’s heritage pushes us to envisage paths of dialogue and reciprocal understanding. Perhaps it is time to see beyond the differences to envisage together a future which takes into account the human above all, while remaining faithful to the values which unite us.