A Reflection from Lisa Wheeler
Among my most vivid memories of Pope Francis is the haunting image of him standing alone in St. Peter’s Square on Good Friday 2020 during the global lockdown imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sight of the Pope offering prayers for a world gripped by fear and uncertainty was a powerful reminder of the Church’s unwavering presence in times of crisis and its commitment to providing spiritual comfort and guidance to all those in need. It was a moment that encapsulated the essence of his papacy: a steadfast commitment to compassion, a courageous pursuit of hope, and an enduring faith in the power to overcome even the darkest of times. His image on that day will forever be etched in my mind as a symbol of resilience, hope, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.
I join the millions of people around the world today mourning the loss of Pope Francis. There is a certain fittingness that the Lord called him to eternity during the Octave of Easter and in the midst of the Novena to the Divine Mercy.
There are many things I am grateful to him for, not the least of which is reminding the world of the commitment that the Catholic Church has always had for the poor, the refugee, and the outcast, and his consistency in urging the culture of its most important work—the moral obligation to uphold the dignity of every human life.
I was deeply honored to have had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis on two separate occasions, both in connection with my media work in promoting evangelization through the culture. In 2016, I led a delegation of actors, producers and studio executives to Rome for a special screening of the film “Risen” at the Vatican. It was a remarkable experience to witness the Pope’s genuine interest in the power of storytelling to convey spiritual messages and his encouragement for all of us to use our talents to spread the Gospel message. In 2018, I was involved in the re-release of the film “Romero,” a poignant biopic about the martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero. I was humbled to present a copy of the re-released film to Pope Francis, who had a deep admiration for Archbishop Romero’s courageous stand for justice and his unwavering commitment to the poor and oppressed. The Pope’s endorsement of the film was a source of great encouragement for all those involved in its production and distribution.
Carmel Communications, launched on the historic day of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, has borne witness to the transformative impact of Pope Francis’s papacy. In many ways, our mission to bridge the gap between the sacred and the secular has aligned with the progression of the Church’s engagement with the arts and culture under his pontificate. As I reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, I am reminded of the enduring power of culture to inspire, challenge, and unite us all. His papacy was marked by a profound appreciation for the arts, technology, science, literature and entertainment, a testament to his belief in their ability to bridge divides and touch the human soul. Pope Francis welcomed a diverse array of artists, writers, comedians, tech creators, and actors into the very heart of the Church.
The Vatican under Pope Francis became a vibrant meeting place where artists and clergy could engage in meaningful exchange, exploring the intersection of faith and culture. His open embrace of the creative community fostered a dynamic dialogue and served as a reminder that beauty, truth and goodness can be found in all forms of creative endeavor.
My team and I give thanks to God for Pope Francis and his authentic contributions to the Church and the culture. We entrust him to God’s mercy and pray for his soul as he enters eternity.
We also pray now for the gathering conclave, that the Holy Spirit guide the Cardinals in choosing a successor worthy to continue the good works of the Church.
And finally, we pray for the Church and all our brothers and sisters around the world, that we may continue to pursue truth, goodness and beauty in all the ways that God has called each of us to do.