I started this website several years ago because I wanted to express my thoughts about what I saw as misrepresentations of the true Christian faith, particularly by the so-called Christian Right.  Over time, I tried to not only denounce bad examples of Christian thinking and conduct, but also point out good examples.  I ended up writing, more than I would have anticipated, posts about Pope Francis as a good example.

I am not a Catholic and I have made clear in many of my writings that the history of the Roman Catholic Church – and Western Christianity in general – is one of major failures to live up to the vision of Christ.  Vatican II has been, in my view, a welcome change in the way the Catholic Church views its role in today’s world.  Pope Francis fully embraced Vatican II and had a passion for matters related to peace and human dignity.  That is what made him special to me.

Pope Francis understood that the essence of Christianity is love of God and love of neighbor.  Accordingly, he was a tireless advocate for the poor, the disadvantaged and all those who felt excluded from Church or society.  Many, today, are expressing their gratitude for his leadership and his compassion.  In today’s post, I will only point to articles in this website that highlight some of his noteworthy activities, as seen in the links below.  Even though some will say he did not accomplish everything they expected him to accomplish, he will be truly missed, and we can only hope that the next pope will continue his legacy rather than make a U-turn.

Pope Francis: The Name of God is Mercy – The Kingdom of God in the Bible

The Vatican Allows Blessings of Couples in Same-Sex Relationships The Vatican Allows Blessings of Couples in Same-Sex Relationships –

The Uneasy Dialogue Between Catholics and Jews as the World Watches the Violence in Palestine – The Kingdom of God in the Bible

The Catholic Church Officially Repudiates the Doctrine of Discovery – The Kingdom of God in the Bible

Pope Francis’ Video Message for the Abolition of the Death Penalty – The Kingdom of God in the Bible

Christian Leaders Respond to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine – The Kingdom of God in the Bible

Pope Francis Shares his Thoughts on Paul’s Letter to the Galatians – The Kingdom of God in the Bible

Pope Francis Delivers a Message of Peace and Interdependence in Iraq – The Kingdom of God in the Bible

Law or Spirit: A Seemingly Unresolved Debate Within Christianity – The Kingdom of God in the Bible

Vaccine Hesitancy and Religion: Where Do We Stand? – The Kingdom of God in the Bible