Remembering Pope Francis

Prof. Anna Rowlands, the St Hilda Professor in Catholic Social Thought and Practice, spent two years at the Vatican working on the synodal process, where she was appointed by Pope Francis as one of the few women to hold governance roles within the Catholic Church.

Prof. Rowlands described his death as "a moment which feels very brittle and fragile on the global stage. I think he'll be mourned as a figure who's got that kind of moral leadership, who had real character, and who was able to speak, without constant caveat, about basic human moral obligations."

She remembers him as a "charismatic, warm, personable" figure who chose to forgo the trappings of high office in favour of a common touch, and to find a point of human connection. In her case, a discussion about which football team she supports.

Above: Prof. Anna Rowlands and Sr Nathalie Becquart greet Pope Francis at the synod.

She has also contributed to:

• a BBC documentary Pope Francis: The People's Pope, which can be viewed by UK users (from 52.47mins).
• Radio 4's The Life of Pope Francis (at 23.50mins).
• an interview with Archie Bland in the Guardian Newsletter.
• Australian Broadcasting Corp National Radio: Pope Francis is dead at 88.
• FRANCE 24 (in English) Pope transformed Church into source of spiritual 'relevance' and 'prophetic' wisdom for the world.
• ITV News The personal side of Pope Francis.
• RMC Briefing podcast The life and legacy of Pope Francis.

"Pope Francis has meant so much to us, as he has to so many in and beyond the Church. He stood for simplicity, mercy, justice; he put care for the most marginalised and for the suffering planet at the heart of his papacy. He called us to hear together the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, but also to live with a certain lightness and joy, and discover new ways of walking alongside one another in the Church. For myself and many of my colleagues, I think, Pope Francis has both stirred consciences and strengthened hope. May he rest in peace."

--Karen Kilby, Bede Professor of Catholic Theology and Director of the Centre for Catholic Studies

Dr Liam Temple, Assistant Professor in the History of Catholicism, published an obituary in The Conversation, looking back over Pope Francis' unconventional papacy. Dr Temple had previously reviewed the Holy Father's autobiography for the same outlet.

Dr Brian Casey, honorary fellow in the Department of Theology and Religion, published a piece in Jacobin, tackling the social justice aspect of Pope Francis' work. 

Christopher Lamb, a current PhD student and CNN's Vatican correspondent, writes about the challenges that this "outsider Pope" faced during his tenure in the office.

 "I am saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis who touched the lives of so many of our university. His unwavering message of compassion for those who suffer because of war, natural disaster and migration resonated deeply with our community. Our thoughts are with the members of the Roman Catholic Church during this period of mourning." 

-- Karen O'Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University