It was such a joy to witness Pope Francis giving his final blessing to the crowds on Easter Day. It felt like he was using up all of his reserves of energy to serve the people one last time. In this we see the depth of his love for the people in his spiritual care and his devotion to the calling given to him by our Good Shepherd. To die like this at Eastertime after the giving of a brief Easter Blessing feels such a fitting and gentle ending to his long ministry to Jesus and his Church. He reminded me of our late Queen, who spent her last day on earth meeting with her new PM. She used her final reserves of energy in service.
May their lives and that of our risen Lord Jesus inspire us to serve those God is calling us to serve with love and devotion. May we be as generous in our self-giving.
Do hold the new pope - Pope Leo XIV - in your prayers as he listens to God's call on his ministry and discern the work of the Church in the world today.
God bless,
Revd Katrina