The challenge of love for those at the margins

THIS column is appearing on the day the leader of the Catholic Church is being buried. World leaders universally have hailed Pope Francis as a man of the people. Tributes to his love for humanity have come from all quarters, from theologians and clergy, and from high-profile voices and commentators on social and political affairs. For me the most poignant expression of grief came from the priests and parishioners of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City.

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Francis phoned them every day amid the Israeli assault to let them know he held them in his heart, that every single day they were foremost in his thoughts. It is this solidarity with those at the margins that the world will now miss. And whether Catholic or Protestant, religious or atheist, I reckon that if this doesn’t challenge us all to reflect on how we see the world and engage with it, we miss a chance to share and amplify Francis’ legacy of justice, peace, and love for those at the margins.