In brief
In a recent interview, Archbishop Paul Gallagher revealed that Pope Francis was resolute in his decision to continue working despite health challenges, driven by a desire to uplift the marginalized.
Pope Francis consistently chose to prioritize his mission over personal health, as shared by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister. Describing the late Pope as a compassionate leader who faced challenges head-on, Gallagher reflected on the void left after the Pope's passing at 88, following a battle with pneumonia. He noted that Francis perceived his role as a voice for the powerless, which fueled his relentless pursuit of helping those in need. Despite the numerous health recommendations to slow down, the Pope was unwavering, believing he could make a difference for suffering individuals, especially migrants, women, and children embroiled in conflict.Gallagher reminisced about how the Pope’s first trip outside Rome was to meet with migrants, symbolizing his commitment to advocate for the voiceless. His readiness to visit difficult and politically sensitive places often surprised his aides. For instance, in 2015, Pope Francis insisted on traveling to the Central African Republic, disregarding warnings due to security concerns. The Archbishop underscored the Pope’s essential reminder to treat migrants as human beings rather than statistics.Even in the midst of political formalities, Gallagher pointed out the Pope's true preference was for connecting with regular people, especially youth, rather than high-profile leaders. The Archbishop remarked on Francis’s legacy of breaking barriers between the Church and the public, portraying him as approachable and relatable. In a more personal farewell, Gallagher recalled the Pope's last words to him, imparting to maintain a sense of humor amidst challenges.Pope Francis’s body was laid to rest in St. Peter’s Basilica, where over 250,000 people paid their respects ahead of the funeral service scheduled for Saturday.
