A man of faith, simplicity, and humility

When I was young in the early sixties, fresh out of high school in Egypt (then called the United Arab Republic), I watched a Hollywood film with my late mother called “Francis of Assisi” which left an indelible imprint on my mind. I still remember the accomplished actor, Bradford Dillman, who played the title role very convincingly. And then, 10 year later in 1972, there was another unforgettable classic, “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” helmed by renowned Italian film director Franco Zeffirelli.

Both movies were about the life of one of our beloved and honored saints — St. Francis of Assisi. The films told` the story of a young man who was born of a noble family and lived a carefree life, free from any daily worries as the son of a wealthy textile merchant. He celebrated his good fortune with wine, women, and song. And then, one day, he visited the ruins of a chapel in San Damiano where he hears the voice of God telling him to “restore my church on earth”.

After this pivotal moment, St. Francis (or Francesco as he was known in Italian), renounced all of his worldly possessions and his nobility, family, and friends to leave the quiet town of Assisi naked and free from his past to start a new life as a man of God and nature. He even heartbrokenly left his betrothed who, equally heartbroken, decided to enter the convent and would later become St. Claire.

I felt that while writing this column, the story of St. Francis of Assisi had to be told. It’s a tale of love, romance, and devotion that spanned centuries and until now is a beacon of hope for Christians everywhere who are looking for inspiration. Despite being a tale as old as time, the story is still relevant today as it was when it was first told. It is a universal message that has always appealed and will continue to appeal to everyone.

I particularly feel this story takes on significant meaning as the man the leaders of the Catholic Church have chosen to lead them has chosen the name Francis, a name that signifies his role on earth as a servant of God. A popular worldwide magazine has described Pope Francis in its recent issue as a man of ‘words and actions,’ which are ‘heavier than boulders.’

I was one of those who were really happy and pleased with the decision the leaders of the Catholic Church made back in March when they elected the new Pope. Back then he was going by his given name – Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Born in Buenos Aires as the son of Italian parents, he worked as a chemical technician before entering the seminary and becoming a priest. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and a cardinal in 2001. He is the first Jesuit pope and the first pope from the Americas.

What is striking about Pope Francis is that throughout his life, both as an individual and as a religious leader, Pope Francis has been noted for his uncharacteristic humility, his concern for the poor, and his commitment to build bridges between people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and faiths. Indeed, even after being elected he approached the office with humility and greeted Catholics from the papal window as being one of them as opposed to being above them. He even chose to reside in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Papal residence.

Granted as a pope, the chosen religious leader exudes a holy aura and acts as a beacon of light for the faithful all over the world. But, we have to admit that there was a bit of a divide and many Catholics have found themselves disillusioned by the church and left confused and unsure. But I feel that there is ray of hope once again with the election of Pope Francis. His kind and easily approachable demeanor makes many feel instantly calm and reassured by his words and his presence.

As we know, he has shunned all pretenses and all forms of perks and privileges. As mentioned, he lives in modesty, rides around in a humble compact, and admonishes his novices to live simply and humbly, telling them this is where they will find true happiness. In just a few short months in the papal office, Pope Francis has already made an impact in the lives of many Catholics who were floundering. Through him, they are being led by example and know that he does not ask from his flock what he himself will not do. This is a true leader.

Just a week ago, Pope Francis ordered that a statue built in his honor and installed at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires be moved to the Museum of Francis. He did so because he said he was against the cult of individual personalities. The sculpture was moved to the Museum of Francis, which is scheduled to be opened in a couple of weeks. The museum will exhibit personal items of the Pope. His holiness, though, also did not like the idea of opening a museum in his honor. It’s just another example of his modesty, which he continues to try to instill in his clergy as well.

In addition to his lack of pomp and circumstance, Pope Francis has also begun to put the spotlight on himself in his capacity to help bring issues to light. Much like the global ambassadors of good deeds — Princess Diana, Mother Teresa, and even Angelina Jolie — the pope knows that where he goes, the media will follow. As an activist he can bring global attention to matters that are close to his heart, like washing the feet of juvenile delinquents and hugging a child riddled with cerebral palsy. Pope Francis is using his celebrity to bring media attention to the dark corners of the world where people sometimes chose not to look.

A wonderful example of this, is what the Pope did last week. He publicly prayed for the many African migrants who have died trying to escape Africa. It was a shipwreck of African migrants off the cost of Lampedusa, in the Mediterranean, that spurred the Pontiff into action. In the past 18 months more than 500 people have died or gone missing trying to escape and the world has barely noticed.

The Pope admonished this kind of behavior, calling it “global indifference” to the plight of desperate migrants in his both his country and around the world. Standing on Lampedusa, the Pope cast a wreath into the water to commemorate the dead and prayed for them and others like them all over the world. He asked simple questions but questions that cut right to the core. “Who wept for these people?” he asked. “Who cried for the mothers who brought their children, or the fathers who wanted to give their families a better life. We are a nation that has forgotten how to cry.”

Today, we have a Pope who does not shy away from reminding us that we are all responsible for one another. I am sure, he will continue to do much more good and hopefully inspire a global change for the better. He reminds us that spiritual life is more than just reading books and praying. The Pope says that Catholics and other people of all faiths don’t need a “refresher course” to “touch the living God,” they only need to go out into the streets and see for themselves.