"You First."

As a father of 8, I have been mistaken for being Catholic before.  Until I share my occupation.

As a Lutheran minister, I am aware that most statements and actions made by the pope will influence people’s perceptions of religion. I see that trickling down to our community in and around Forest Lake.  

It’s fitting that the day after Easter, the most universally known living representative of Christianity died. Pope Francis got one last Resurrection Day on earth before getting to experience it for himself in heaven.

As the tributes and testimonials about him continue to be shared, the legacy of someone of his stature is complex and fascinating.

Cartoonist Marshall Ramsey depicted Pope Francis at the gates of heaven standing next to a man with the label “Needy” on his back. The Pope, humble to the end, tells the man, “You first.”

I didn’t align theologically on every issue with the pope. However, I respected the compassion and character with which Pope Francis carried throughout his life, and especially as he led the Roman Catholic church during his 12 years as pope.

Our world needs more world leaders to exhibit the humility of character Pope Francis modeled. The world looks to the Pope for guidance and represents faith on a wide scale. Even non-Catholics reflect on statements or evaluate the actions of the pontiff.

I’m grateful that Pope Francis, despite initial missteps, addressed the clergy sexual abuse scandal. I appreciate that, while some doctrinal statements within the Roman Catholic church might not be ones I agree with, that Pope Francis valued all humans. He took the time to care for and listen to people, especially from oppressed groups seeking validation in their existence.

When the LGBTQ community approached him, he listened and asked, “who am I to judge?” My friend, Deacon Ross Murray, the Vice President at the GLAAD Media Institute spoke with the pope in 2017. During that hourlong conversation, Murray shared that the pope was “showed a willingness to learn, admit mistakes, and even seek forgiveness.”

Murray shared a picture of himself giving a rainbow-colored stole to the pope during their meeting. “He imperfectly recognized and supported the LGBTQ community more than any previous pope,” said Murray, in his initial words after hearing of Pope Francis’ death. “His spirit is what the world needs right now.”

At a time when there is a refugee crisis that rages across our planet, Pope Francis did not pander to world political leaders. He courageously spoke truth to superpowers that ignored or created more problems for humanity.

In his final address, delivered on Easter, he appealed to many places around our globe experiencing conflict and offered prayers that they may find peace.

“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,” wrote Pope Francis, in the message shared on Sunday during the Easter service at Saint Peter’s Square.

“I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others,” said Pope Francis. “But rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development.”

Just like the women who arrived at the empty tomb, the message remains: don’t be afraid and use our resources to help others in sharing the good news of the Risen Christ. 

May the newly elected pope share that message with humility, grace, and mercy. Just like his predecessor.

Pastor John Klawiter is the senior pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Forest Lake. For more information, email him at  .  Photo by Yakov Fedorov.