In brief
Archbishop Paul Gallagher shares insights into Pope Francis's steadfast dedication to the marginalized, revealing his courage in addressing difficult issues and refusal to abandon his mission even in poor health.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, remained resolute in his ministry until his final days, according to Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Gallagher recounted how the Pope rejected advice to slow down in his later years, motivated by a desire to support those who are often voiceless. The Archbishop described the Pope as a man of deep compassion and clarity, one who faced difficult issues head-on, demonstrating remarkable courage.Gallagher, who has worked closely with the Pope since 2014, expressed the profound impact of the Pope’s death, highlighting his role in advocating for the powerless and those disenfranchised. “He was very much the voice of the voiceless,” Gallagher emphasized, noting the Pope's longstanding concern for migrants, women, and children caught in conflict, which drove him throughout his papacy.Despite suffering from health complications, including a five-week hospital stay due to double pneumonia, Pope Francis continued to devote himself to his mission. Archbishop Gallagher noted that it had been over six decades since the Pope had taken a holiday, indicating his relentless commitment. From his first papal trip to meet migrants in Lampedusa to extensive travels across over 60 countries, including some his advisors deemed dangerous, the Pope's dedication to his cause was unwavering.A particularly vivid memory for Gallagher was when the Pope insisted on visiting the Central African Republic in 2015 despite warnings of danger, demonstrating his urgency to confront challenging realities. Such actions illustrated the Pope's willingness to challenge the typical institutional prudence expected of the Vatican.Pope Francis had a unique ability to remind church officials of the human aspect of their discussions, urging them to see migrants not merely as statistics but as individuals. Observers noted that he often appeared more comfortable among young people and ordinary individuals, rather than in the company of political elites. This relational approach broke down barriers between the Church and the public, making the Pope a more approachable and relatable figure, as Gallagher noted.In his final weeks, the Pope left a lasting impression on Gallagher, reminding him to maintain a sense of humor. The legacy of Pope Francis will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, with many followers around the world mourning his loss. As the public pays their respects, over a quarter of a million people visited his lying-in-state at St. Peter's Basilica before his funeral, reflecting the deep connection he fostered with communities during his decade-long papacy.
