Reflecting on Pope Francis: A Champion for Humanity's Cause

Meeting the Pope: A Unforgettable Encounter

Having the chance to rub shoulders with His Holiness Pope Francis was an unparalleled experience, especially during the 'All Religion Conference' held at the Vatican on November 30, 2024. Guided by His Holiness, the conference aimed at spreading brotherhood in our troubled world, emphasizing the theme, 'Religions Together for a Better Humanity'.

During this enlightening event, Pope Francis price-lessly highlighted the significant impact ancient Indian philosophers have had on the global spiritual and philosophical landscape. Security protocols were tight, but I managed to sneak a handshake and a brief conversation with him. His presence was serene yet assertive, and I couldn't help but feel moved by his unwavering dedication to world peace. As I articulated my support for international peacekeeping, he reciprocated with warmth and humility, granting me his blessing in the end.

The encounter left me beaming, an emotion that'd linger till the next dawn.

I was blessed to participate in this inspiring assembly at the Vatican, an opportunity granted due to a special invitation. As a commoner, I am both overwhelmed and deeply appreciative of the chance. During our brief conversation, he expressed his warm greetings to the people of Kuwait as well.

Once, Pope Francis remarked, "Religions are like different languages to reach God, but God is God for all." Touching upon sentiments outside the confines of his prepared speech, he reminded us that since God is God for everyone, we are all God's children.

Before meeting him, I believed the Pope would mainly cater to the Christians. But Francis, the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, transcended religious borders, conveying a message rooted in compassion, decency, and peace.

A heartwarming example of this was his unwavering advocacy for the suffering of the people of Gaza. As violence swept across the region, he repeatedly pleaded for peace, urging the global community to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access.

From October 2023 to much of 2024, he'd make daily phone calls to Gaza’s Holy Family Parish at 7pm (local time). During these personal calls, he'd inquire about the conditions and express solidarity. Despite his own health struggles, he maintained these calls even after being hospitalized. His words, filled with empathy, reassured hundreds of Christians and Muslims huddled together in the church and school. Each conversation culminated in a blessing, the sign of the cross, and heartfelt gratitude in Spanish and Italian, "Muchas gracias, Tante grazie"

With profound sadness, we mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis at the age of 88. He was a true voice for the marginalized, a forward-thinking reformer, and a shining beacon of humility and love. His legacy will echo in the hearts of millions across faiths and continents.

Behind the Scenes:Pope Francis' phone calls with Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic parish marked his persistent advocacy for the marginalized during the Israel-Hamas war. The significance and impact of these calls are explained below:

Call Details

Timing: Calls happened at 7 p.m. Rome time (8 p.m. Gaza time), often referred to as 'Pope o'clock' by parishioners.
Content: He'd communicate with people to learn about their conditions firsthand, including food shortages and bombardment, and reiterate solidarity. Parishioners recalled his blessings after every conversation.
Consistency: Even during his March 2024 hospitalization, he'd resume the calls from his hospital bed after a brief hiatus.

Significance

Moral advocacy: Francis used his platform to condemn civilian suffering, emphasizing, "This is not right. Innocents must be spared." His calls often informed his public appeals for ceasefires and humanitarian aid.
Local impact: The calls supplied psychological and spiritual comfort to Gaza’s dwindling Christian community, with parishioners assembling nightly to greet him.
Symbolism: Francis' persistence underscored his stature as a global advocate for marginalized communities, even during challenging circumstances.

During the conversation with the Pope, I expressed my gratitude for his unwavering advocacy in the adjoining region of Gaza, where he had consistently spoken out against the violence and advocated for peacekeeping efforts.
As the spiritual leader, the Pope transcended religious boundaries, not only in the general-news conference but also in his extensive phone calls to Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic parish, demonstrating his commitment to peacekeeping and solidarity with the marginalized.
Continuing his peacekeeping efforts, His Holiness Pope Francis made daily phone calls to Gaza’s Holy Family Parish during the Israel-Hamas conflict, serving as a beacon of hope and peacekeeping for the people there, and embodying the spirit of unity across religions and borders.