Pope Francis & Jesus: News & Insights From The Vatican
Can the words and actions of one individual truly reshape the landscape of a global faith? Pope Francis, through his papacy, consistently demonstrated that even the most entrenched institutions can be profoundly influenced by a commitment to compassion, dialogue, and a radical embrace of the marginalized.
On April 20, 2025, in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, following the Easter blessing, Pope Francis, in the popemobile, greeted the gathered faithful. A photograph captured by CNS photo/Pablo Esparza, served as a visual reminder of the pontiffs enduring connection with the people. In his Easter message, he penned, "Jesus is alive and is with us always, shedding the tears of those who suffer and adding to the beauty of life through the small acts of love carried out by each of us."
| Full Name: | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born: | December 17, 1936 (Buenos Aires, Argentina) |
| Died: | Easter Monday, April 2025 (Vatican City) |
| Papal Name: | Pope Francis |
| Predecessor: | Pope Benedict XVI |
| Successor: | (To be determined) |
| Profession: | Priest, Archbishop, Pope |
| Known For: | His emphasis on mercy, social justice, and dialogue; his efforts to reform the Catholic Church; his outreach to the poor and marginalized; his focus on environmental concerns. |
| Key Writings: | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home), Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
| Significant Actions: |
|
| Reference: | Vatican Website |
Pope Francis consistently encouraged Christians to embrace the Lenten journey as a period of healing and faith in Jesus Christ. The Vatican frequently disseminated the Holy Father's Sunday Angelus message, providing a consistent source of spiritual guidance. He also stated in his first encyclical letter, Lumen Fidei, that faith in Jesus Christ provides the foundation for joyfully living life "on wings of hope."
The presentation of Jesus in the temple was another recurring theme. Pope Francis often reflected on this event, emphasizing its significance as a reminder that Jesus's mission extends to the salvation of all people. He frequently invited the faithful to truly seek an encounter with God.
On Easter Monday, Pope Francis underscored the transformative power of the Resurrection. He affirmed that it isn't merely a "happy ending," but rather an event that "changes our lives completely and forever." This message of radical hope and transformation permeated his papacy.
Jesus is a king insofar as he is a witness: He is the one who speaks the truth. The kingly power of Jesus, the Word incarnate, resides in his true and effective word. The concept of entering into the patience of God was another key reflection. These reflections, the result of a man who was able to look at the world from a different viewpoint, allowed him to deliver a message of true faith.
Austen Ivereigh posted, on April 17, 2025, an article about Pope Francis's reflections on the failure of Jesus and the pathway to hope. The travels of Pope Francis, averaging about four journeys a year, took him to 68 different countries. Each journey presented an opportunity to call for justice, peace, inclusion, and love for the entire human family. His concern for the marginalized was evident, as he, like Jesus, often chose to walk on the periphery.
The news of Pope Francis's death, due to a stroke and heart failure on Easter Monday at the age of 88, sent ripples of grief and reflection through the world. The Vatican announced the passing of the pontiff, a voice for the poor, who overcame resistance to reshape the Catholic Church. His legacy will be debated and discussed for generations to come, and his actions and words will be an example for the Church for a long time.
His reflections extended to the presentation of the Lord in the temple. He reiterated that Jesus is the salvation for all peoples and our light. This message, delivered on April 22, 2025, during a service, provided a reminder of the universal message of hope.
Even in moments of despair, Pope Francis emphasized hope. He often stated that "the gospel tells us that Jesus always restores hope," a message delivered on Saturday evening at the Basilica of St. Paul outside the walls. He continually offered the idea that we are always "raised up from the ashes of death and gives us the strength to go on, to begin anew."
His legacy involves how he invokes and interprets scripture. In the past, on the anniversary of October, he chose John 8:44 to characterize our one true enemy. This choice of scripture became an important teaching within the Catholic Church and, arguably, the world at large.
Pope Francis knew that many words are spoken. He also knew that true sanctity is being Christians who work in life that which jesus has taught and what jesus has sown in our hearts. He encouraged the faithful to pray daily to know Jesus and themselves. The key to knowing Jesus Christ, according to the Pope, were actions, not words.
In 2024, Pope Francis led the Church in giving thanks to God for the blessings of the year. He presided over the chanting of the Te Deum at the conclusion of First Vespers for the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. His homilies often focused on Mary, highlighting her role in helping us read the "signs of the times" in light of the mystery of Jesus.
Pope Francis often drew upon two images from the word of God to approach Jesus as King of the Universe. The first, taken from the Book of Revelation and foreshadowed by the prophet Daniel, is described in the words, "He is coming with the clouds" (Rev 1:7). This imagery emphasized the triumphant return of Christ.
On March 5, 2025, the Holy Father prepared a catechesis for the general audience on the finding of Jesus in the temple. These catechesis and presentations have been a source of comfort to the faithful.
At the Regina Caeli prayer from the Apostolic Library on a Sunday, marking the Ascension of the Lord, Pope Francis reflected on the meaning of Jesus rising into heaven and sitting at the right hand of God (Mk 16:19). Earlier that same Sunday morning, the Pope presided over the World Youth Day Mass in the Basilica.
The Pope would often make the clear point in today's solemnity of Christ the King. "I am a king," were the words of Jesus, during Pilate's interrogation, in which Jesus had to explain how he did not want others to acclaim him as their king. His message was simple and heartfelt.
The feast of St. Thomas the Apostle was another opportunity for Pope Francis to return to a concept dear to him: placing our hands in the flesh of Jesus. This act served as a reminder of the very real, human nature of Christ.
In the Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis prayed before the 'Nativity of Bethlehem 2024.' This event occurred during a private audience with donors of the nativity scene and the lighting of the scene.
On March 5, 2025, Pope Francis spoke on the Lenten journey, reminding the Church that hope in Jesus Christ ultimately overcomes fears of fragility, weakness, and the brevity of life. These moments of reflection offered a chance to grow in faith.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio. On Wednesday, the Holy Father encouraged busy Catholics to say the "Jesus Prayer" throughout the day. Speaking at the General Audience on June 9, he recommended the short prayer as central to their daily routine. The message of faith was, and is, unwavering.
In a recent public discourse, Pope Francis acknowledged the historical reality of Jesus's Jewish origins, emphasizing the importance of understanding the historical context. The response to this statement was mixed. Pope Francis knows that Jesus was a Jew from Judea given the history of the catholic church it is obvious why he said it it is an inconvenient truth and jewish.
Pope Francis's actions have also included controversial ones. He created an uproar when he was seen with a controversial nativity scene at the Vatican over the weekend. The wooden display showed the baby Jesus lying on a palestinian keffiyeh scarf.
On a Sunday, Pope Francis said that Christ is with us, walking beside us in our daily journey through life, including our struggles to be holy. He attended the inauguration of a seasonal nativity scene, presented by Palestinian officials, that featured a baby Jesus lying on a keffiyeh, the traditional scarf used by.
In his address, the Holy Father emphasized that Jesus, and faith in him, was the source of St. Francis life of holiness. These teachings have been a constant source of hope and encouragement.
In this episode, Justin Peters critiques Pope Francis's recent statements, arguing that they directly contradict biblical teachings on human nature and salvation. It is important to realize that not everyone will agree with the views of Pope Francis, but his efforts to communicate with everyone are apparent.
