When I learned the news of what had transpired in Rome on Easter Monday, the psalmist gave words to my feelings. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones” (Ps 116:11). Indeed, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, as the Argentine pope was first called, was one of God’s faithful ones. His humility, humor, and humanity made transparent the joy of the gospel in ways that warmed the hearts of people all around the globe, including the people called Methodist.

Pope Francis emboldened us to see Pentecost visions. He inspired us to dream kingdom-sized dreams of believers who listen for the voice of Christ in the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth, of a church journeying towards unity by moving to and from the margins, of a people embodying the face of God’s mercy to a wounded world.

The last time I saw Francis in person was on November 1, 2023 in Casa Santa Marta. I was there having dinner along with members of the Methodist Roman Catholic International Commission when the pope walked in. Earlier that day, during his Wednesday address, Francis had spoken energetically and eloquently about the gift and journey of sanctity. Now, he looked tired. He could have retired to his chamber and asked for room service. Instead, he came down to the dining room and settled for a quiet dinner with a few companions at a table close to ours. There was no photo op, no official greetings, but it was a meaningful ecumenical encounter. It was a “convivir,” a sharing of the gift of life.