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From the Pastor’s Desk:

Learning Gospel Living from Pope Francis

With the recent passing of Pope Francis, I have been thinking and reflecting upon his life and legacy in our world today.  With Pope Francis’ passing, the Christian world has lost a leader whose witness extended far beyond the boundaries of Roman Catholicism. For Lutherans, his life offered a compelling example of how to live out the gospel in practical, humble, and courageous ways. Though we came from different theological traditions, there is much we could and still can learn from his example—particularly his deep compassion for the poor and immigrants, his daily embodiment of the gospel, and his care for those outside the traditional bounds of the church.

From the moment he stepped onto the balcony at the Vatican in 2013 and chose the name ‘Francis,’ after St. Francis of Assisi, this pope has signaled a ministry grounded in humility, simplicity, and a deep concern for the marginalized. His papacy was not without controversy, but his unwavering focus on the gospel’s call to serve the poor, welcome the stranger, and seek the lost is a beacon that can guide us in our own faith journeys.

Living the Gospel Daily
Pope Francis reminded us that Christianity is not just a Sunday morning activity. It is a daily walk with Christ that demands integrity, mercy, and love in every interaction. He often spoke of a ‘culture of encounter,’ encouraging believers to engage with others—not just those who think and believe like us—but all people, with a spirit of openness and empathy. Lutherans, too, are called to this kind of daily discipleship: where our faith is not only professed in the Creed, but also practiced in the grocery store, the school drop-off line, and our neighborhood.

Compassion for the Poor and Immigrants
Francis’ commitment to the poor was not an abstract ideal—it was lived out in his words and actions. He washed the feet of refugees, housed the homeless at the Vatican, and called the Church to be ‘a poor church for the poor.’ His actions echoed the words of Jesus in Matthew 25: ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Luther’s theology of vocation reminds us that every person has a role in serving others, and Francis helps us see that our neighbors in need are not a problem to be solved, but people to be loved.

Reaching Beyond the Walls of the Church
Another area where Lutherans can find inspiration in Pope Francis was his concern for those outside the traditional bounds of the Church. He often referred to the Church as a ‘field hospital’ rather than a fortress, a place of healing and welcome for those wounded by life. In a time when many feel alienated from religion, Francis challenged us to ask: Are we creating space where people can encounter the grace of God, even if they don’t fit our expectations?

While we do not share all theological perspectives, we can affirm that Pope Francis pointed us toward the heart of the gospel: love of God and neighbor. His example reminds us that Christ’s call to follow Him always leads us outward—to the hurting, the hungry, the forgotten—and inward, to our need for grace and renewal.