Pope Francis had an impact on the religious community and also on people throughout the world. His practices and beliefs have inspired many and he has left a lasting impact, especially on those within the Marywood community. Pope Francis died April 21 at the age of 88.

Marywood’s Sister Nancy Hawkins spoke about Pope Francis and said that “his efforts on behalf of the environment and our planet and how we form a relationship with all living things, has definitely inspired people at Marywood.”

Hawkins discussed one of Pope Francis’ most important encyclicals: “Laudato Si. Laudato Si,” which was published by the Pope in 2015 and focuses on the wider relationship between God, humans and the earth. It also emphasizes caring for the natural environment and all people. Hawkins says that herself, as well as many within Marywood’s religious studies department, have been impacted by the encyclical.

Laudato Si took a stance on current world problems including climate change, pollution, water scarcity and global inequality. He calls for an international agreement to protect the less fortunate communities, the environment and its people. It calls for people to live deeper in our relationships and faith. It is incredibly important to the religious community because of its teachings surrounding significant moral issues, as well as its framework for addressing the social and global challenges within the world. The encyclical draws on the Catholic principles and human perspective and how we are connected with our environment.

Hawkins also says that “Francis’ life reflects the teachings and the beliefs of Jesus of Nazareth,” and when she talks about Jesus in her Encountering Faith Class, she says that she stresses “how Jesus reached out to those who were considered outcasts.” She says that the Pope did the same thing throughout his life. Pope Francis “reached out to people of all faiths,” and Encountering Faith and the class’s exploration of different world religions, is very much in tune with Francis’ desire to build bridges among the faith communities. Francis traveled all over the world and Hawkins says that he “mirrored for us that we are a pluralistic world community and we are all children of God.”

She believes that certain elements of Pope Francis’ vision for the world can be found in Marywood’s mission statement and core values, including empowering individuals from all backgrounds to reach their highest potential, make choices based on spiritual and ethical values and seek sustainable solutions for the common good while educating global citizens to live responsibly in an interdependent world.

Marywood President Lisa Lori had the honor of meeting the Pope just last year. In May 2024, as the incoming president-elect at Marywood, Lori, along with 20 others from different Catholic universities spent a week in Italy and at the Vatican. The pope was wheeled into the room, joined by a translator. Lori reflected on the experience and says that the moment Pope Francis was wheeled into the room, she “swelled with emotion.”

The Pope, with the help of his translator, spoke to the group about the ongoing worldwide issues, such as the current conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and China. He also spoke about being conscious of weaponization within the world. Pope Francis thanked all of the representatives for the work that they were doing within their universities, creating inclusivity and for leading with their head, hands and heart.

Reflecting on their meeting, Lori said that speaking to him felt like finding a friend. She said that his praise felt good and that she felt like she was within that target group that he was preaching to. Lori says that they cared about the same things and were very much in alignment with their beliefs. They understood one another and she felt validated after hearing his praise. It felt like an endorsement for the university.

Pope Francis focused heavily on the Gospel and was always humble and a role model. Lori says that we as a university should want to “follow in his footsteps” and roll up our sleeves as he did and be servant leaders. The university’s mission aligns with the Pope and everything that he has preached since Marywood’s founding in 1915, including his beliefs in equality and protecting our environment. For the president, Francis’ approval is special and she hopes that the next pope will follow in his footsteps.

The Pope’s life and legacy has also left a lasting impression on many of the students at Marywood. One student expressed their sadness when they found out about the pope’s passing.. Another student said that Pope Francis left a lasting impression on their life and has forever changed the way that they view their faith. These students were impacted by the Pope and his actions to try to make the world a better place.

After several months of battling a grueling sickness, the Pope lost his battle after performing what would be his final Easter Mass last month

The Pope had previously been in the hospital for five weeks earlier this year due to a severe respiratory infection. He was later diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection, which included pneumonia in both lungs. The Pope was later released from the hospital and was advised by his care team to remain on bed rest for the coming weeks. His medical team said that he came close to death while in the hospital, but in the end, died of a stroke followed by heart failure on Easter Monday. The director of the health and hygiene directorate of the Vatican City State said that the Pope’s death was also affected by other ongoing issues, such as type II diabetes, arterial hypertension and a previous episode of acute respiratory failure.

Since his death, people from all over the world have gathered to honor Pope Francis’ life and grieve his death. World leaders have spoken out in tribute to the pope and many citizens have assembled throughout Vatican City, placing candles and flowers at various monuments throughout the area.

Throughout his time with the church, Pope Francis has changed lives and created a legacy for others to follow. The pope led with his heart and impacted the lives of people all over the globe. He will live on in our memories and his leadership and values will always stay with us, hopefully teaching us how to lead in this ever-changing world. Francis’ legacy has empowered the entire community and has left a lasting impact on Marywood’s students and faculty through his beliefs and teachings.

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