In every age, the Holy Spirit raises up a shepherd who helps the Church hear the Gospel anew. In Pope Francis, we were given not just a pope but also a pastor—a man who walked with the wounded, spoke with the boldness of the prophets, and smiled with the joy that comes from Christ.
His papacy was not about perfection but about presence. He reminded us that God’s mercy is bigger than our mistakes; that the Church’s doors must always be open; and that joy, even in struggle, is a sign of the Spirit at work. He challenged us to care for creation as a sacred trust and to draw near to the poor—not out of pity but out of shared dignity.
Now that his earthly journey is complete, we pause not only to grieve but also to give thanks. And more importantly, to carry the mission forward.
This four-session faith-sharing guide is a gift from RENEW International to all who wish to reflect, remember, and recommit. Through prayer, scripture, the words of Pope Francis, and shared conversation, we honor a life well lived—and we step into the dream he dared to imagine.
