In brief
In a reflective interview, Archbishop Paul Gallagher reveals how Pope Francis maintained his commitment to serve, even when advised to rest.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at age 88, remained resolute in his mission to advocate for the voiceless, according to his close aide, Archbishop Paul Gallagher. The Vatican's foreign minister, who has served since 2014, spoke exclusively with the BBC about the late pontiff’s refusal to heed advice to slow down in his final years. Archbishop Gallagher noted that the Pope embraced a 'die with his boots on' ethos, choosing to engage actively with the challenges facing the marginalized.Gallagher described Pope Francis as a compassionate yet determined figure who often went against counsel. He admired the Pope's courage in confronting difficult issues head-on, demonstrating a strong will to make a difference for people fraught with struggles. “One thing I always admired... was that he didn't run away from difficult things," Gallagher remarked.The Pope's commitment to social justice stemmed from his acute awareness of the power dynamics affecting the vulnerable. With a career dedicated to those in need, he felt an imperative to use his platform to effect positive change. “He was very much the voice of the voiceless," Gallagher stated, emphasizing Francis’s focus on migrants, women, and children impacted by global crises. Despite suffering from health issues that landed him in the hospital with double pneumonia, Pope Francis resisted slowing his pace. Archbishop Gallagher noted that he rarely took holidays, having worked actively for 66 or 67 years. This unyielding dedication was exemplified by his first trip outside of Rome to visit migrants on Lampedusa and his extensive travels across over 60 countries, often against the advice of his aides.An anecdote shared by Gallagher highlighted the Pope's willingness to risk safety for his mission, reflecting on Francis's insistence to visit the Central African Republic amid warnings of danger. "He just said 'well I'm going and if nobody wants to come, fine, I'll go on my own'," Gallagher recalled, illustrating the Pope's fearless spirit.Furthermore, Gallagher acknowledged the pontiff's deep-seated desire for authentic human connection, as he preferred mingling with regular people over formal engagements with the elite. His approachable nature endeared him to many and allowed him to bridge gaps within the Church.As the world bids farewell, Pope Francis's legacy endures through the barriers he broke between the Church and its followers. Gallagher fondly recalled the Pope's last words to him, a reminder to maintain a sense of humor, signifying the warmth and humor that characterized his papacy.The Vatican reported over 250,000 people paid their respects to Pope Francis during his lying-in-state, underscoring the profound impact he made during his lifetime and the reverence held by the public. His funeral is set for Saturday, drawing attention from around the globe.
