"When Francis became pope in 2013, I was a senior in high school. In the years since, Francis’s pontificate has deeply shaped my journey to theological study and my commitment to theology as an ecclesial vocation. Francis writes in Ad theologiam promovendam that 'theology as a whole' is called to take on a 'pastoral stamp.' It is not confined to one’s desk but rather goes out to the frontiers: 'A synodal, missionary, and ‘outgoing’ Church can only correspond to an ‘outgoing’ theology.' Such a theology reads and interprets the Gospel in the conditions in which people live, taking seriously the Incarnation; listens to the Spirit in word, sacrament, and the sense of the faith of God’s holy people; and serves the Church’s evangelizing mission. Francis says that 'good theologians, like good pastors, even smell of the people and the street and, by their reflection, pour oil and wine on the wounds of humanity.' This is the kind of theologian I want to be. Thank you, Francis."
-Grace Mariette Agolia, M.T.S. '19, S.T.L.-Ph.D. '26
"As a religious sister living the vow of poverty, I am deeply moved by the quiet example of Pope Francis—especially when he left only around 100 dollars in his bank account. This small but powerful act shows how much he trusts in God and how closely he chooses to live like the poor. It reminds me of Jesus, who died with nothing, not even clothes to cover Him, giving His whole life out of love. For me, poverty is not just about having little—it’s about depending completely on God, letting go of things and pride, and living simply out of love for Christ, the Church, and those in need. In a world that values wealth and success, Pope Francis’s choice speaks clearly: true richness is found in a heart that is empty of self and full of God. Seeing his example touches my heart and inspires me again to live this vow more faithfully—to follow this path of poverty with joy and trust, so that, like him, I may one day come to God with nothing but love and mercy, fully given."
-Sr. Tuyet Hoang, S.T.L. '26
"I still remember the conclave in 2013. My Catholic school kept up with the news every day until finally we saw the white smoke on TV. It was thrilling to watch the TV and hear the different languages being spoken. I was only 12 years old, but knew it was a big deal that the first Cardinal from Latin America was elected. I first learned about Laudato si' in 2021 when my Jesuit professor had us read it in class. I had never heard of it but was immediately interested in everything Pope Francis was declaring. I was proud that he spoke up against the societal issues that cause the climate crises. He wrote with interdisciplinary knowledge, and addressed everyone, not just the Catholic community. This papal writing has brought me on a journey through universities, conferences, jobs, and friendships. I owe much to the movement he inspired. Rest in Peace, Pope Francis, AMDG."
-Amy Rini, M.A. '26
"I have always felt deeply convicted by Francis's message of 'the smell of the sheep.' I have come back to this time and time again when I feel challenged or disconnected in my ministry, whether it's serving food at the Paulist Center in downtown Boston or participating in prison ministry. Francis encouraged all of us to not only be close to those we serve but to be part of their community. I don't feel like I'm entering the prison to serve or be served anymore. I feel integrated into their community and free to listen and love and worship with them. I am reminded what a privilege it is to be part of their lives. It's easy to get wrapped up in my academics at such a wonderful place as BC, but as Francis reminded us, what use are the skills we learn if we don't keep God's people in the center and deeply get to know and love them?"
-Sarah Skrove, M.Div. '27
"It’s easy to feel far away from the pope. Who am I? As a 'mere' lay person, I don’t have that sort of power, platform, or authority in the Church. What do we have in common?
And yet, it seems we all felt personally close to Pope Francis. In addition to being our pope, he was our 'Papa,' our friend, sibling in Christ. I don’t attribute it just to his sense of humor or affable style. For me, it is because Pope Francis served less as an exemplar of what it means to be pope and instead served as an exemplar of what it means to be a disciple. By living at margins, he dissolved the boundaries between him and us, us and them, clergy and laity, the powerful and powerless.
The message I heard was: You and I are the same. A sinner, a disciple, a person of hope. And so we are called to walk this journey together.
Don’t wait for permission from the Vatican or a step by step blueprint of how to be. Through relationship, mutuality, and encounter, we have the agency to imagine something new. And not only do we have the agency, we have the responsibility. Pope Francis forced me to realize that I too am the Church. And so I must be courageous enough to claim my own voice and humble enough to be changed and moved by the stories of others. Day after day after day after day. I hope to carry his Spirit with me in all things."
-Sarah Hansman, M.Div. '25
"Pope Francis brought animals into our circle of compassion by noting that 'our indifference or cruelty towards fellow creatures of this world sooner or later affects the treatment we mete out to other human beings. We have only one heart, and the same wretchedness which leads us to mistreat an animal will not be long in showing itself in our relationships with other people. Every act of cruelty towards any creature is contrary to human dignity' (Laudato si', #92). He inspired me to see all of God's creation with compassion and gratitude, and to open my heart to all God's creatures. I realized that I am able to be a lot more compassionate than I thought was previously possible. I continue to work towards more compassion through the grace of God."
-Daniel Mascarenhas, S.J., M.Div. '26