Pope Francis, the People's Pope - A Duty to carry on His Good Works

Editorial

Edie Johnson

Editor

In my lifetime, from my perspective, Pope Francis, the People’s Pope, and the First Pope from South America, has had more positive  impact on world peace and the souls of all people than any other person of our era and possibly the 2,000 years before it as well. He offered a portrait of humanity that all religions can accept, and has given guidance to all who believe in a search for peace, love, empathy and a feeling of duty to care for each other, as well as the environmental world we live — whether within the doctrine of an organized church or specific religious group or not.

He leaves a legacy that we who remain are bound by duty and admiration of him to make every effort to continue, to advance better understanding between cultures of all peoples in this world and the animals and nature we share our lives with, aware that the knowledge will bring us to a better and more peaceful future. 

There is no need to hate those with whom we disagree. There is only a need to better understand, forgive, and communicate with them so that any areas of agreement flourish, that we both explore avenues of growth, and and that we make opportunities to build common ground.

I hope that Pope Francis can still keep and somewhere and somehow in the universe of universes share his unique joy and sense of humor. I suspect that from the ironies and humor that I have experienced from the heavenly spirit that his joy and fortitude will keep finding its way into our lives. And I hope that, as I believe he would want, that rather than sadness when we think of him as passed, it is with joy and appreciation for a life so wonderfully lived,