Please Pray for Pope Francis

(Plain Text Version)

Please Pray for Pope Francis’ Speedy Entrance into Heaven!

If I were seriously ill at age 88, my last day on earth would seem to be coming soon.  I may ask myself if there is one more thing I ought to do.  On Easter, Pope Francis raised his arm to bless the pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square and then greeted them from the Popemobile.  Not too many hours later, Pope Francis passed away.

When I have a bit of time with “nothing to do,” I need to remember that I may be in my last hour!

A Few Words About the Popes of my Lifetime

For each “my popes,” I would like to share just one of my personal impressions:

Pope Pius XII (1939 – 1958)

As a child, I knew that Pius XII was the pope but knew nothing of his papacy.  Later, I admired his heroic actions during World War II.  Despite the oppression of the Fascists and the Nazis, he protected a very large number of Jews. 

Pope St. John XXIII (1958 – 1963)

In 1963, Pope John XXIII called the Second Vatican Council which prepared the Church for a rapidly changing world.

Pope St. Paul VI (1963 – 1978)

In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical Humanae Vitae, which reaffirmed the Church’s teaching that artificial birth control must not be practiced.  Humanae Vitae warned that the practice of artificial birth control would have very bad consequences if it continued.  Please read this document – it is brief and easy to read.

Pope John Paul I (1978)

Upon election, Albino Luciano chose the name John Paul I.  By using the number one in his name, he implied that there would be another John Paul.  I think that he offered his life and his short papacy as for the successful ministry of John Paul II.

Pope St. John Paul II (1978 – 2005)

Karol Wojtyla became pope during a period of confusion and controversy in the Church.  Under his leadership, a new generation of Catholics was inspired to live and spread the Gospel. 

Pope Benedict XVI (2005 – 2013) 

Shortly before his election, Benedict XVI condemned the sexual abuse of minors by clergy, calling it “filth”.   As pope, he made great progress in closing loopholes and in bringing predators to justice.

Pope Francis (2013 – 2025)

Pope Francis reminded us to remember the needs of the underprivileged in all our decisions.  For example, he pointed out that the poor will be first to suffer from rising sea levels.  As Archbishop of Buenos Aries, he lived in a simple apartment, cooked his own meals, and used public transportation.  As pope, he lived simply and made many visits to the poor and the imprisoned. 

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