Pope Francis’ Call for Humility Resonates in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS – While many view others through a political lens, Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thompson says Pope Francis did not. At a Tuesday news conference, the Archbishop reflected on the late pontiff’s lasting impact, calling his approach to leadership and faith transformative.
“I loved reading everything he wrote,” Thompson shared. “I’ve got a whole shelf of books. He wrote some beautiful stuff like Joy of the Gospel.”
Thompson spoke about Pope Francis’ ability to see beyond political divides, saying, “Everyone thinks they’ve got the truth. Everyone thinks they know everything because we settle into our ideologies, our own personal agendas. Our egos get the best of us.” But the Archbishop believes the pope’s focus was always on fostering connection and dialogue.
“You can’t encounter someone without being relational,” Thompson said. “So, how do we encounter one another? How are we in relationship with one another?”
Thompson talked about the humility Pope Francis taught, recognizing that none of us holds all the truth. “The truth is in Jesus Christ,” he said. “That wisdom doesn’t come from our merit but from the Holy Spirit.”
The Vatican has set Pope Francis’ funeral for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM local time in Rome. Public viewing will begin Wednesday, as confirmed by cardinals.
While papal funerals are traditionally elaborate, Pope Francis made different choices. He will be the first pope in more than a century not to be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, near his beloved Madonna icon. Additionally, the pope requested a simple wooden casket, choosing simplicity over the traditional three nested coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak.
Closer to home, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis announced that a mass for Pope Francis will be held Thursday at noon at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, located at 1347 North Meridian Street. Archbishop Thompson will lead the service in honor of the late pontiff.
