10 Years of Francis: He is my pope too
Fr. Patrick Mulemi, of Lusaka, Zambia, is the first Jesuit offering his reflections on the Francis Papacy in our “10 Years of Francis” series.
It is 13 March 2013. I am parish priest in Matero, a sprawling poor neighborhood of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. More than 10,000 kilometers away in Rome, the cardinals are in conclave.
I have just celebrated evening Mass and I am chatting away with parishioners as they are exiting the church. Suddenly someone shouts, “we have a new pope!” I rush to the presbytery, turn on the television, and... “he is a Jesuit!” A Jesuit??? What does it mean for the Church and the Society of Jesus? I didn't see it coming.
He has chosen the name Francis, it is announced. My first thought is “The Poor Man of Assisi”. And I am right. Perhaps that’s because I am living and working in a poor neighborhood. After Mass the next day, after I had mentioned “Francis our Pope” for the first time in the Eucharistic prayer, an elderly woman approached me after Mass and smiling said to me, “He is my pope too.” I knew at that time that the Holy Spirit had spoken.
I’d later meet Pope Francis on a number of occasions when I worked in Rome. A Jesuit, with a Franciscan name, in a Dominican habit. A pope for everyone. God’s gift to the Church. He is the Pope the Church needed at this time.
Patrick Mulemi, SJ
Lusaka - Zambia
10 Years of Francis: Reflections from his Jesuit Brothers
10 Years of Francis: Compassion and Tenderness
10 Years of Francis: Vocation Inspiration
10 Years of Francis: MAGIS
10 Years of Francis: Inviting us to be adult disciples
10 Years of Francis: “Padre Jorge”
Conversion. Atonement. Forgiveness. Election.
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Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.
Let us pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world might imbue the Church with their courage and missionary drive.
Let us pray that the sick who are in the final stages of life, and their families, receive the necessary medical and human care and accompaniment.
Let us pray that the Spirit help us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.
Let us pray that people with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions offer inclusion programs that enhance their active participation.
Let us pray for the Pope, so that in the exercise of his mission, he may continue to accompany in the faith the flock entrusted to him by Jesus, always with the help of the Holy Spirit.
