Archdiocese of Indianapolis Reflects on Pope Francis
INDIANAPOLIS — Deacon David Bartolowits, Director of Deacons with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, says Pope Francis will be remembered for one clear priority: putting the poor first.
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed Monday. Just one day earlier, he appeared on the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica, blessing thousands during Easter Mass and waving from his wheelchair. He also met briefly with Vice President JD Vance to exchange Easter greetings.
Francis, the first Latin American pope, led the Catholic Church for 12 years. His time as pope was marked by health challenges, calls for reform, and what Bartolowits describes as a return to the Church’s core mission: saving souls and serving the poor.
“It’s a sad day, but it wasn’t unexpected,” Bartolowits said. “We know Pope Francis had been ill for quite some time. His death still comes as a shock because it looked like he was recovering.”
Bartolowits says the Pope never strayed from that mission.
“Pope Francis did that very well, he had a very pastoral approach to the teachings of the church. He didn’t change any theology. I’m frustrated when I hear people insinuate that he was trying to change the church. The theology he embraced. The message was more focused on how we live that theology.”
Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Indianapolis called Francis “a son of the Church,” known for Christ-centered dialogue and his care for the forgotten. “He was a good and faithful servant,” Thompson said. “May he rest in eternal peace.”
