Bagnasco declares that "Francesco provided us with the resolve to push on, despite appearances of darkness"
KICKIN' IT WITH ANGELO: CARDINAL BAGNASCO REFLECTS ON POPE FRANCIS' PONTIFICATE
Hey there, pal! Let's dive into a chat with Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco as he spills the beans on Pope Francis' twelve-year reign.
What's the big takeaway from these twelve years, Your Eminence?
No doubt about it – the Easter Urbi et Orbi blessing. The Pope, looking beat but determined, leaning out to bless the world, transcending suffering with his gaze. It's like he's saying, "I'm sticking around, and the Lord's with us." In retrospect, it seems like a farewell, but it's more about entrustment and surrendering – an embrace to the Church and the world. The world, in turn, embraced him back. It was a moment of intense communion that left an unforgettable impact.
Resign?
Nah, man. It's all about love, unity, and entrustment. His final act of blessings and strolls among the crowd speak volumes about his will to never abandon the Church. The world will always remember these iconic acts, telling us to lift our heads even when it seems bleak.
What message does the Argentine Pontiff leave us during his illness and surprise appearances among the people?
He's all about faith, baby! Constantly showing his faith through prayer and entrusting to the Lord, faith lived with concrete actions rooted in the Gospel. He oozes courage, manifested in grand public moments as well as simple, spontaneous gestures like surprising greetings and smiles despite the pain. He's the torpedo of hope, leaving us stoked for the future.
From a spiritual perspective, what legacy does Francis leave to the Church?
Every Pope has to solidify our faith, and Francis does it with simple yet profound words and a pastoral style that touches hearts. He reminds us that faith isn't just an ideological concept – it’s a living relationship with Christ. In a world plagued by fear, division, conflict, he drives home Jesus as our hope. He's taught us to stay focused on the essential: God is always with us, always near. This is his legacy: an incarnate faith, a reliable hope, an active charity.
What's the importance of being close to the people in this Church of the future?
It's one of his greatest teachings, mate. Since day one, he's been advocating for the Church to be a "field hospital," treating the wounds of contemporary people. He wants pastors to get their noses dirty, so to speak, staying down-to-earth and connected with the people. This has always been the essence of evangelization – being a part of history without getting swallowed by it, bearing witness to the Gospel with love and compassion. In Italy, with its vast network of parishes, this closeness is a powerful sign to the world, unmatched in its reach. This proximity is about proclaiming the Gospel in our time, a lesson we must never forget.
Any personal memories of the Argentine Pope that stand out?
The massive trust he showed in me. From the beginning, he confirmed me in my service to the Italian Episcopal Conference and in our personal relationship. I'll never forget his visit to Genoa – the crowds, the tears, the prayers, the love. It was palpable. These moments stay with you – they inspire, nourish the soul, reaffirm your faith.
Enrichment Data:
Bagnasco also acknowledged Pope Francis' emphasis on a personal relationship with Jesus, describing faith as a living relationship rather than an abstract concept[2]. He noted Francis' desire for the Church to be a "field hospital" and for pastors to have "the smell of the sheep" by immersing themselves in the lives of the people[2]. This approach, Bagnasco observed, is about bearing witness to the Gospel with love and compassion[2].
However, Bagnasco also critiqued modern Western culture, calling it a "virus" that spreads spiritual emptiness, driven by consumerism, and cultivating a submissive society[1]. This critique reflects his broader concerns about the cultural and spiritual context in which the Church operates.
Sentence 1: The Argentine Pontiff, through his emphasis on a personal relationship with Jesus, has left a legacy of encouraging a living, experiential faith in the Catholic Church – a cornerstone of his leadership in the business of spiritual transformation.
Sentence 2: In his twelve-year tenure, Pope Francis, through his leadership, has revolutionized the concept of ministry in the finance of the Church, advocating for pastors to be immersed in the lives of the people, embodying the "field hospital" model and fostering a closer relationship between the Church and the world.
