The Pope’s unique perspectives on the modern age and the issues surrounding the Church have been an inspiration to youth and adults alike. He inspires people, most especially young people, to go out and spread the good news of salvation.
In my own life, I have seen Pope Francis lead by example. Through his humble and gracious acts of charity, he showcases the importance of practising the message we, as a unified Church, preach. This is extremely important to a global audience because it demonstrates that the Catholic Church is a church of great compassion and strength.
There are many different values I see in Pope Francis and his teachings. However, the one that stands out the most to me is commitment. His steadfast love for the Church and every single one of its occupants inspires me to be more welcoming, merciful and kind to all the people I meet.
This is why I believe this visit to the United States and Cuba has been of historic importance.
Having returned to the Americas in his apostolic journey, Pope Francis has drawn attention from celebrities, media outlets and people from all over the world. This attention is generating an interest in the Church from people of all different walks of life.
Get excited! Papa Francis has represented all of us, the universal Church, at a number of important meetings including the World Meeting of Families and the United Nations General Assembly.
This visit and the ongoing buzz surrounding the Holy Father is an opportunity for all of us to speak out about the things Pope Francis is talking about. With interest comes the chance to evangelize to those who are recognizing the humble acts of our great Pope. Leading up to his visit, Pope Francis played an important role in restoring diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. He then traveled across the waters separating the Cold War adversaries to demonstrate a new friendship. This is an opportunity for us to stand on the side of peace. This is a message of forgiveness and hope.
On Sept. 25, the Pope held an interreligious service at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This was an opportunity for us to tell others about the Church and our growing acceptance towards all people, for we were all created in God’s image. This is a message of patience and acceptance.
On Sept. 26, Pope Francis was to celebrate and listen as six families from different continents shared their joys and challenges with the crowds at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. This is an opportunity for us to reflect with our own families, and to share what joys we have with those around us. This is a message of love and support.
With his recent adventures fresh in our minds, let us all tune in to the words and actions of our merciful Pope. In the modern world, where we face such extreme levels of poverty, abuse, depression and warfare, turn towards the wisdom of such a humble leader. Embrace the poor, the broken, the lonely, the afflicted and the lost.
Most importantly, do not be afraid to follow in the footsteps which he is making, for they will surely lead towards good. “I have a dogmatic certainty,” Pope Francis once said, “God is in every person’s life. You can, you must, try to seek God in every human life.”
(Hall, 17, is a candidate for firstyear philosophy at Trent University.)