2013-08-04   Received with thanks from Fr. Alberto Rossa, cmf
Pastoral Bible Foundation and Claretian Publications Macau. www.bibleclaret.org

The Legacy that Pope Francis Left at World Youth Day

By Leonardo Boff

It is not easy to summarize in few words the relevant points raised by Pope Francis in Brazil. I will highlight some even with the risk of omitting important ones.

The greatest legacy was the Pope himself: a humble servant of the faith, clear from all ostentation, touching people and letting people touch him, talking the language of the youth and speaking about truths with sincerity. He represented the noblest of leaders, the servant leader who does not refer to himself but to others, with warmth and care, evoking hope and trust in the future.

In the political arena he found a disrupted country with the huge protests of young people. He defended their utopia and their rights to be listened to. He presented a humanistic view in politics, in economy and in the eradication of poverty. He strongly criticized a financial system that eliminates the two extremes: the elderly because they no longer produce, and the youth, by not creating for them possibility of work. The elderly cannot share their experience and the youth are deprived to build up their future. A society like that can collapse.

The ethical theme, rooted in the inalienable dignity of the person is a topic that he often talked about. Regarding democracy he coined the expression "social humility," which means to talk face-to-face, among equals and not from top to bottom. Between selfish indifference and violent protest he pointed out an option that is always possible: constructive dialogue. Three categories he mentioned many times: dialogue as mediation in conflicts, proximity to people beyond all kinds of bureaucracy and the culture of the encounter. Everybody has something to give and something to receive. "Today, either we bet for the culture of encounter or we all loose."

In the religious field he was more fecund and direct. He recognized that "there were young people who lost their faith in the Church and even in God because of the inconsistency of many Christians and ministers of the Gospel." The most severe discourse was for the Latin American bishops and cardinals (CELAM). He recognized that the Church—and he included himself—is behind regarding reforms of her structures. And he asked them not only to open the doors to all, but also to go out to the world and to the "existential peripheries." He criticized the "princely psychology" of some members of the hierarchy. They have to be poor interiorly and exteriorly.

Two axles should be present in the pastoral activities: closeness to people, beyond the organizational worries, and the encounter, sealed with love and tenderness. He even speaks about the "revolution of tenderness," something that he showed by his actions. He understands the Church as a mother who embraces, caresses and kisses. Pastors should cultivate this maternal attitude with their people. The Church cannot be controlling and administrative, but servant and facilitator. Emphatically affirms that the role of the pastor is not in the center but in the periphery. Something to emphasize: the place of the bishop should be either "at the to the front to show the way, or in the middle to keep the people united and neutralize the dispersal, or at the back to avoid that anyone go astray," and he should be aware that "the flock has its own smell to find new ways." Besides, he gives prominence to the laity to decide together with their pastors the path of the community.

Dialogue with modern world and religious diversity: Pope Francis did not show any fear regarding the modern world; he wants to interchange and be part of a profound movement of solidarity with the ones who are deprived of food and education. All confessions have to work together to save the victims. It is of little importance that the help comes from a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim or anybody else. What matters is that the poor have access to food and education. No confession (religion) can sleep pleasantly while the dispossessed of this world keep shouting. Here we are talking about an ecumenism of mission, all together at the service of others.

To the youth he dedicated words of enthusiasm and hope. Against a culture of consumerism and dehumanization he asked them to be "revolutionaries" and "rebels." Through the window of the youth the future arrives. He criticized the restorationism of some groups and the utopism of others. He stressed the present: "eternal life depends on the day-today." He invited them always to be enthusiast, to creativity, to go around the world sharing the generous and humanitarian message of Jesus, the God who became near and encountered people.

During the final celebration there were more than three million people, happy, festive, in perfect order. An aura of benevolence, of peace and happiness descended on Rio de Janeiro and on Brazil that could only be the irradiation of the tender and fraternal Pope Francis and of the Divine Feeling he was able to share.

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