Does the Ascension of the Lord offer a beacon of hope in our often turbulent world? Pope Francis, reflecting on this pivotal moment from the Apostolic Library this past Sunday, emphasized that the rising of Jesus into heaven and his seating at the right hand of God (Mk 16:19) holds profound meaning for us, offering a promise of eternal life and a renewed sense of purpose.
The echoes of faith and reflection resonated throughout the Vatican and beyond this past weekend, as Pope Francis delivered a series of addresses that delved into the heart of Christian belief. His words, delivered across several platforms, offered both comfort and challenge, urging believers to deepen their understanding of Jesus Christ and his enduring presence in their lives. The Pope's reflections on the meaning of Jesus' resurrection and ascension, coupled with his teachings on prayer and acts of charity, provided a rich tapestry of spiritual guidance for the faithful.
Earlier Sunday morning, the Pope presided over the World Youth Day Mass in the Basilica. This gathering of young people from around the globe served as a powerful testament to the vitality of the Church and the unwavering faith of its younger members. The Mass itself, a vibrant celebration of unity and hope, set the stage for the Pope's later reflections.
A key theme that emerged throughout the weekend was the kingship of Christ. Reflecting on the readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Pope Francis highlighted Jesus' declaration during Pilate's interrogation: "I am a king." This bold statement, delivered in the face of potential persecution, served as a reminder of Christ's authority and the spiritual kingdom he established. This was a contrast to times in the Gospels when Jesus did not seek acclaim as a king from others.
The Pope's message of hope was particularly resonant. Addressing a world often grappling with despair and loss, he stated, "The Gospel tells us that Jesus always restores hope," a statement made on Saturday evening at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. He further elaborated, stating that Jesus "continually raises us up from the ashes of death and gives us the strength to go on, to begin anew." This message of renewal and resurrection served as a powerful reminder of the core tenets of the Christian faith.
The Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle provided another opportunity for Pope Francis to underscore a concept dear to his heart: the importance of tangible faith, or, as he put it, "Placing our hands in the flesh of Jesus." This emphasis on direct experience and personal connection to Christ is a recurring theme in his pontificate.
The following table provides a brief overview of Pope Francis's life and career:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Education | Master's degree in Chemistry, Philosophy studies |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordination | December 13, 1969 (Priesthood) |
| Episcopal Ordination | June 27, 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998 - 2013 |
| Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, environmental protection, and dialogue with other faiths. Reform of Vatican finances. Promoting a more pastoral and inclusive Church. |
| Notable Writings | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato si' (On Care for Our Common Home), Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
| Reference | Official Vatican Biography |
From Vatican City, on August 27, 2023, the message remained consistent: Christ is with us and walking beside us in our daily journey through life, including our struggles to be holy. Pope Francis continued to emphasize this concept of immanence, suggesting that the divine presence is not distant but rather intimately involved in the lives of believers. This was a common thread that ran through his teachings.
Further exemplifying his outreach, Pope Francis prayed before the 'Nativity of Bethlehem 2024,' during its inauguration in the Paul VI Hall, during the private audience with donors of the nativity scene and the lighting of the scene on March 5, 2025.
The Lenten journey, a period of reflection and penance, serves as a powerful reminder of hope. Pope Francis has spoken on numerous occasions, as he did on Sunday, that it ultimately overcomes fears of fragility, weakness, and the brevity of life. He emphasized that Jesus' resurrection makes Christians pilgrims of hope.
Pope Francis's reflections are not confined to the walls of the Vatican. As an example of this, on Easter morning, the Holy Father had a brief meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance before proceeding to St. Peter's Square to deliver his Easter blessing, Urb et Orbi (to the city and the world). This public address, broadcast globally, provides a message of peace and reconciliation to the world.
The Vatican also released the Holy Father's Sunday Angelus message, delivered during the Easter season, providing a time of healing and faith in Jesus Christ. The Angelus message is a regular event which is a source of teaching for many people.
In his first encyclical letter, Lumen Fidei, Pope Francis underscored the transformative power of faith. He wrote that faith in Jesus Christ helps one to joyfully live life "on wings of hope." This sentiment, a recurring theme throughout his pontificate, suggests that faith provides not just solace but also the impetus to embrace life fully.
The message of faith and action was delivered in the midst of the Urb et Orbi message at the end of Easter mass at the Vatican, on April 20, 2025. The Pope constantly encouraged people to turn to God. The mass was also a reminder of the Easter season.
The second Sunday of Easter, the Sunday of Divine Mercy, provides another opportunity for reflection on the teachings of Jesus. The message for the day was again a source of encouragement for Christians to continue their Lenten journey as a time of healing and faith in Jesus Christ.
The Holy Father has often spoken about the importance of recognizing Jesus as the icon of leadership and guidance. He said, "May the Lord make us understand that this is Jesus, this is the icon of him: the pastor who leads, who shows the way, and teaches us to listen to his voice." This statement reflects the call to embrace the teachings of Christ and to find guidance in his example.
Pope Francis also encourages the use of prayer in one's daily routine, particularly the "Jesus Prayer." He said, "Pope Francis on Wednesday encouraged busy Catholics to say the 'Jesus prayer' throughout the day." This short prayer, which is at the heart of the Christian tradition, is recommended by the Pope as a way to maintain a constant connection with God.
Pope Francis has always demonstrated the message of humility and communion in many ways, including the nativity scene displayed in St. Peter's Square. It was modeled after a traditional "casone" from the Grado Lagoon. The Pope observed that these humble fisherman's huts, built with simple materials like mud and reeds, speak to us of Christmas, "when god became man to fully share in our poverty, building his kingdom."
Additionally, the Pope has been known for his efforts towards interfaith dialogue and understanding. The Pope met with Palestinian officials and attended the inauguration of a seasonal nativity scene, which featured a baby Jesus lying on a keffiyeh, the traditional scarf used by Palestinians.
Pope Francis has always emphasized the importance of love and compassion in our daily lives, adding to the beauty of life through the small acts of love carried out by each of us. He wrote, "Jesus is alive and is with us always, shedding the tears of those who suffer."
After the mass, the Easter blessing, Pope Francis rode in the popemobile around St. Peter's Square, waving to the crowd and blessing babies. The pope's actions exemplify his ability to engage with the faithful.
Pope Francis, in several homilies and addresses, has spoken about the importance of compassion and mercy, including when he unveiled a nativity scene featuring baby Jesus wrapped in a keffiyeh at his nativity scene and Christmas tree inauguration on Saturday in St. Peter's Square. He is known to be a compassionate leader.
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has offered reflections on the nature of sin, redemption, and the importance of seeking forgiveness. In addition, he has made efforts to rehabilitate Judas. In numerous instances, he has spoken affectionately of Judas countless times, implying that the traitor was saved, but without stating this clearly, as is his custom.
In recent catechesis prepared for the general audience of March 5, 2025, the Pope explored the Gospels message on charity. He reflected on the teachings, including the famous words, When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing and When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your father who is in secret.
The central message continues: In his address, the Holy Father emphasized that Jesus, and faith in him, was the source of St. Francis life of holiness. The Popes encouragement reflects the need for the faithful to find the grace of holiness within themselves.
