WE ARE POPE FRANCIS!

By Brother Patrick

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will be released in heaven (Matthew 16:18-19).” With these words, the Lord makes four bold announcements.

First, Jesus declares that Peter, a poor sinner and plain fisherman, will preside over the company of apostles whose faith will soon spread all around the world. Second, Jesus promises that his church will defeat the powers of darkness. It will overcome every doubt, every demon, every division, and every assault on human dignity.

Third, Jesus gives to Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. These keys symbolize power and responsibility. They symbolize the power and responsibility to teach, preach, and serve as good stewards of the community’s resources. In this way, the Lord endows Peter and those who will follow him with a mandate to shepherd his flock. Finally, Jesus assures Peter that the decisions he makes are binding and absolute.

The Poor Christ, however, does not empower Peter and the apostles to bully or browbeat his sheep. He expects them to lead by example. He expects them to lead by serving others. He expects them to lead by love, mercy, and kindness. In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, Jesus expects Peter and the apostles to “heal wounds, bind what is broken, and bring home those who are lost.” So, how are we to assess our bishops? How are we to assess our pastors? How are we to assess the performance of our local pastoral teams?

As is so often the case, Pope Francis shows us the way! Just weeks into his papacy, the Holy Father says: “Be shepherds with the odor of sheep. Make it real. Be shepherds among your flock and be fishers of men (3-28-13).” The Holy Father warns priests, bishops, and lay ministers against preaching over the heads of God’s people. He warns them against becoming proud, pompous, and powerful according to the ways of the world.

Instead, Pope Francis calls all faith leaders to live like and among the People of God; to laugh with us and cry with us. He calls our shepherds to look into our eyes and speak to the depths of our hearts about how the Good News of Christ can change our lives and save our souls. He calls our shepherds to be mindful of their sacred responsibility to carry the keys of the kingdom of heaven with love and humility.

Pope Francis calls our shepherds to speak of the saints, both as good examples and powerful patrons, who can inspire us to live the Gospel, share God’s love, show God’s mercy, and rebuild God’s church. He calls our shepherds to bring us closer to Christ, closer to the Church, and closer to each other through the living witness of a good and holy life. And he calls our shepherds to stand with the poor, speak for the persecuted, console the sick and sorrowful, and offer their lives, if necessary, for the cause of peace, mercy, and fraternal love.

In July 2023, Luca Ray Sartu, a twenty-four year old man from Italy, died from an infection that was contracted during a pilgrimage to Portugal. Luca was one of more than one million teenagers and young adults who joined Pope Francis for World Youth Day in Lisbon. Luca and the Holy Father did not meet, but when the pope learned about the young man’s death, he called his mother.

In an interview with Vatican Media, Luca’s mom said: “He was moved with me. He cried with me. Above all, he was like a father. He comforted me as if he was my father. When you see the pope, please thank him for his exquisite kindness.” This, it seems to me, is the ultimate fulfillment of the Lord’s call and promise to Saint Peter: the power of exquisite kindness.

Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us! Pope Francis, pray for us!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brother Patrick Garvey is co-founder and spiritual director of the Assisi Project. He is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine, Saint John Seminary, and the Catholic University of America. He is a writer, spiritual director, retreat leader, and university lecturer. He also serves as an Associate Minister in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport in Massachusetts. On October 3, 2023, the Feast of the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi, Brother Patrick was consecrated as a diocesan hermit by Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston. For more information about the Assisi Project and our ministries with adults of all ages and backgrounds, please contact Brother Patrick at brpatrick@assisiproject.com.

Art Credit: JoBern Studio – Etsy

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ABOUT US

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers throughout the world. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. We are also dedicated to promoting a devotion to Pope Francis (1936-2025) as a patron of peace, mercy, and fraternity in our sick and suffering world.

The Assisi Project is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization. Please support our ministry via Pay Pal (see link below) or mail a tax-deductible donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. The Assisi Project Podcast is produced by the Assisi Project, Inc. Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. May the Lord give you peace!

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