By David J. Porta | Sun City West
The sun broke over the seven hills of Rome on April 26, 2025. This was an unusual day in Rome. Many kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers had gathered in the smallest city state in the world, the Vatican.
Thousands of others came to pay their respects and say goodbye to the leader of 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis was 88, the 266th pope to assume the Chair of St. Peter, 13 years ago. He was known as “The Pope of the People” and that included the downtrodden, the marginalized and forgotten people of this earth.
This gathering also produced something special. In a quiet corner of St. Peter’s Basilica, two men huddled. The president of the United States requested that two chairs be brought forward, separated by space. He invited the president of Ukraine to join him in “quiet diplomacy.” Just two men to discuss a war that has been going on too long.
Pope Francis was in attendance, by his passing that brought these world leaders together along with the spirit of God.
The first pictures released told volumes in the body language of the two leaders. Simply sitting down to talk is what Pope Francis liked the most. He often was shown with his comforting manner extended. Not just Catholics, but to all.
Pope Francis traveled the world to deliver the word that was made flesh ... God’s desire to help all. He went to the smallest countries and the most populated and richest countries. His words and actions were shown with two presidents sitting down to resolve a world problem.
Pope Francis’ work has been completed. His simple way of living spoke volumes. He now rests in a simple grave away from the mass columns of marble and gold. Just a simple grave.
He entered into religious life as a member of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as a Jesuit. He gave his life to caring for the least attended people of this world. That includes presidents of the world’s countries.
May the world learn and appreciate his passing. Rest in peace, Francis.