My wife, Callista, and I recently spent Holy Week at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., the largest Catholic church in America. The sheer scale and diversity of the congregation struck us profoundly. On each of our three visits, the Basilica was filled with people from every imaginable background, a testament to the truly universal nature of the Catholic faith. The Basilica’s website proudly lists the multitude of nationalities and ethnicities represented within its walls, a microcosm of the global Church itself.
The late Pope Francis’s emphasis on inclusivity and service dramatically increased the appeal and growth of the Catholic Church, particularly in Africa and South Asia. This was vividly apparent during our Easter Sunday visit. His papacy, marked by the name ‘Francis’ – a clear nod to Saint Francis of Assisi – was dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized. Even in his final days, gravely ill, he visited Rome’s central prison, washing the feet of inmates, a powerful act of compassion and humility.
This commitment to reaching out to all, regardless of circumstance, was powerfully reflected in the atmosphere of the Basilica. It made me recall Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s poignant observation about the segregation prevalent in American churches. I believe both Rev. King and Pope Francis would have been deeply moved by the unity, sincerity, and genuine friendliness we witnessed – a testament to a society moving beyond legal desegregation to genuine integration.
Our experience at the Basilica echoed similar feelings we had at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, and during Callista’s tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. The sheer diversity present at Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica highlighted the global reach of the Catholic Church and its capacity to unite people from all walks of life.
Pope Francis, despite his failing health, continued to travel extensively, visiting countries like Mongolia and Timor-Leste, carrying on the tradition of outreach pioneered by Saint Pope John Paul II. This constant engagement with the world beyond the Vatican walls is now a hallmark of the papacy.
The best way to honor Pope Francis’s legacy is to continue his work of reaching out to everyone, regardless of their background. Let us strive to build a society that reflects his values of compassion, inclusivity, and service. Let us find salvation through faith, at the heart of the Christian tradition, as a fitting tribute to his memory.
