Pope Francis: Radical Poverty, Mercy, and Devotion

On this special edition of Morning Air, Fr. Rocky joined the program to reflect on the death of Pope Francis, calling it “a sad but happy day.” Despite frail health, the Holy Father made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, riding through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile, blessing the faithful and offering the Urbi et Orbi. “He gave it his all, right to the very end,” said Father Rocky. “Just like Jesus carried the Cross, he didn’t feel sorry for himself—he showed up for his people.”

Recalling Pope Francis’ election in 2013, Father Rocky remembered hearing the name Jorge Mario Bergoglio for the first time. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “But it didn’t matter. We were taught to pray for him, love him, and obey him—because he is the Holy Father.”

Pope Francis will be remembered as the first Jesuit pope, the first from Latin America, and the first to take the name “Francis,” in honor of the saint known for radical poverty and reform. “He continued the missionary energy of St. John Paul II, visiting places like Mongolia and the Central African Republic,” said Father Rocky.

Though often labeled controversial, Pope Francis remained faithful to doctrine, even if his tone was less rigid. “He didn’t change teaching—he changed how he approached it,” Father Rocky emphasized. “He called the Church a field hospital, focused on mercy, and lived it.”

The Pope’s deep Marian devotion was evident in his frequent visits to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. “He consecrated his work to Our Lady and chose to be buried there,” said Father Rocky. “That’s deeply meaningful.”

Pope Francis also stood firm on life issues. “He denounced abortion more strongly than any pope before him,” Father Rocky noted. “He knew that if there’s no right to life, no other rights matter.”

As the Church prepares for the conclave and mourns its shepherd, Father Rocky invited listeners to pray for Pope Francis and the next successor to St. Peter: “May he rest in peace, and may we follow his example of mercy and courage.”

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