In brief
Archbishop Paul Gallagher shared insights on Pope Francis’ unwavering commitment to his role, highlighting the Pope's preference to carry on with his mission instead of slowing down despite health challenges.
In a recent exclusive interview, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister, revealed that Pope Francis chose not to heed advice to slow down in his last years. Instead, the Pope opted for a "die with his boots on" mindset, driven by his desire to aid the powerless. Gallagher praised the Pope for his courage to confront difficult issues, often contrary to the counsel from his advisors.Pope Francis, who became the first Latin American pope, passed away at the age of 88 after battling health issues, including a serious bout of pneumonia. Gallagher, reflecting on the profound emptiness left by the Pope's death, noted that Francis was a voice for the voiceless, advocating tirelessly for those lacking power and resources.The Archbishop conveyed how Pope Francis was particularly attuned to the struggles of migrants, women, and children affected by conflict, feeling a deep responsibility to make a positive difference in their lives. Despite not taking a holiday for nearly 67 years, he traveled extensively, reaching over 60 countries and often to places his aides deemed unsafe.Gallagher recalled a pivotal moment when Francis insisted on visiting the Central African Republic in 2015 despite significant concern from his advisors about the dangers involved. The Pope's ability to cut through complex conversations with clarity was notable, reminding officials that migrants should be acknowledged as human beings rather than mere statistics.Although Pope Francis occasionally appeared fatigued during formal engagements, it became evident that his heart lay with ordinary people, especially the youth. Gallagher emphasized that the Pope's legacy encompasses bridging the gap between the Church and the public, presenting a leader who was approachable and relatable.The Archbishop reflected on their last interaction, where the Pope reminded him, "don't lose your sense of humor." As the world mourns, over 250,000 individuals paid their respects during the Pope's lying-in-state at St Peter's Basilica ahead of his funeral, which continues to be covered extensively by various news outlets, including live coverage from the BBC.
