For too long we have been the slaves of social media and online consumerism. We have allowed hate to become the new norm. We have allowed wars and famine to become tools to rid ourselves of the weak or those who don’t conform to the rules we wish to impose on our brothers and sisters.
We mourn his death and celebrate his life and service to the Catholic Church, which he attempted to change from within, moving away from the strict conservatism that dogged it to one of openness, transparency and reform.
There were many in the curia and senior ranks of the church who resisted the changes, but Francis persisted.
His humanity and his humility, reaching out to everyone no matter who or what they were, will be his trademark both in life and in death. His faith, seeking peace for all in our troubled world, will be forever his legacy.
Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal
Donald Trump described Pope Francis as a “good man” who “worked hard and loved the world”.
This is very much a minimalist view of a person who devoted his life to make the world a better place, as opposed to Trump’s efforts to just make his own world a better place. Pope Francis was loved by billions of people, respected by those from other beliefs and a person who led the way to a more accepting church.
Those who didn’t agree with him, or even openly opposed his changes, were still welcome in his house, not exiled to an El Salvador prison.
We all need great people to set examples for us to follow, and sadly we have just lost one.
Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia
How nice it was that Pope Francis was able to celebrate a final Easter Day with the faithful gathering at the Vatican.
Although not religious, I thought the late pontiff was a good and pious man.
His 12-year reign was a decent one, and I suspect he will be remembered as a force for good in a troubled world. Francis’...
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