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A “Bridge Maker” - The Non-Compliance and Advocacy of Pope Francis

Updated: May 14


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Advocacy In Diverse Spaces

I am not a Catholic but my mother was a member and I have family and dear friends who still are members of that faith and other faiths who love Jesus and follow His instructions to champion for their communities and the oppressed. We can see the heart of Jesus in people not institutions and remember that Jesus said that He has people (sheep) after His heart in every nook and cranny, school, government halls, churches, Christian and non-Christian faith groups, court houses, etc. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to look even in those who “belong to Caesar’s household,” because we can find humans with the heart of Christian service there. Philippians 4:22 “All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.”


Just think of the lives of other members of society who did not belong to similar bodies of faith but who knowingly and unknowingly followed the teachings of Jesus and championed humanitarian causes. Pillars for social justice such as Harriet Tubman, Oskar Schindler, Mahatma Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Bishop William, J. Barber II, Senator Cory Booker, Dr. Jamal Bryant, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Matthieu Ricard, Reverend Dr. Gina Marcia Stewart, Reverend Al Sharpton, and the list goes on and on. History teaches us that these individuals although not of the same faith belief systems had/have common goals of advocacy to the oppressed and underserved. Some of these and many others occupy spaces which are both religions and non-religious and sometimes controversial. See what Jesus advised against judging and disqualifying the good works of others if they don’t belong to our system or organizations.


Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us

38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” 39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward. Mark 9:38-41 (NIV) 

Protestant faiths can be challenged by this at times when looking outward at other religious/non-religious entities such as Buddhism and Catholicism but we all need the reminders to be careful how we judge people in general who are hands and feet working for the disenfranchised. We must use wisdom and discernment of the Spirit how we engage with each other. At that point it is not about religion (ancient, Jew, Catholic, or Protestant) but it is about the collective work of sharing the love and compassion of God, lifting up the cause of the oppressed, poor, immigrant, suffering, hungry, and pushing against the grains of anarchy, oppression, greed, and other evils against humanity. One Christian author pens the sentiments beautifully.

“There are many among the Catholics who live up to the light they have far better than many who claim to believe present truth…This message must be given; but while it must be given, we should be careful not to thrust and crowd and condemn those who have not the light that we have. We should not go out of our way to make hard thrusts at the Catholics. Among the Catholics there are many who are most conscientious Christians and who walk in all the light that shines upon them, and God will work in their behalf.” Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 243.

Changing the Tune

The death of Pope Francis has brought to the forefront the dialogue of the minutiae of his life and calling to be a “Bridge-Maker” for the poor, immigrant, abused, women, and disenfranchised. From pulpits, to government hallways, prayer rooms, to the streets, the lives of the homeless, immigrants, poor, and disenfranchised, grief and gratitude engulf the conversations about his life. Pope Francis got to be known as the “People’s Pope” who “Changed the tune but not the lyrics” of the mission of the Pontiff. Native to Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Italian immigrant parents on December 17, 1936. 

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He began his professional career as a chemical technician but then dedicated the rest of his life to the priesthood. Drawing from his character formation of his humble beginnings, admonished people to live a life of Christian service and economic, environmental, and brotherly stewardship. One example is by asking his followers to donate to the poor the funds they would have used to travel to see his creation as Cardinal in Rome. He maintained his conviction to be an example of humility by living a simple life until his death at 88 years old on Monday April 21, 2025. 


Upon his death many around the globe, across cultures, faith and political aisles have rehearsed his lyrical life of conscientious thinking for the good of the people through advocacy, compassion and grace to all. He had the expectations of maintaining and enforcing the legacy, uniformity, lifestyle, disconnection, and teachings of his institution but Pope Francis chose the teachings of Jesus to take care of the people in action, speech, advocacy, financially, and modeling. A stark difference, rebuttal, and defiance of the expectations which came with his leadership roles from Priest to Pontiff. Pope Francis ruffled feathers with his non-compliance of the status quo. His rebuttal of the system has some similarities to the rebuttals of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther, a teacher and a monk, who wanted to remain a Catholic but change “the tune” of the Catholic church from within. 


Here are some reflection statements about his non-compliance and life of advocacy. 

  • “We shared an immediate connection,...a deeply felt belief in humanism. As the late Edward Said put it, “humanism is the only resistance we have against the inhuman practices and injustices that disfigure human history.” In his words and his actions, Pope Francis always put his commitment to humanism first. His empathy, his and his eagerness to inspire reform set him apart.” Daniel Barenboim, Social Media Post

  • "Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures, at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another."  Former US President, Barack Obama

  • "Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

  • "He used to call us at 7 p.m. every night. No matter how busy he was, no matter where he was, he always called,...He would ask us how we were, what did we eat, did we have clean water, was anyone injured? It was never diplomatic or a matter of obligation. It was the questions a father would ask." George Anton, spokesperson for the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza

  • “Pope Francis will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the promotion of peaceful co-existence, his service to the poor and the marginalised, his bold calls for climate justice, his relentless pursuit of dialogue among faiths and cultures, and his enduring efforts to build bridges where others saw walls. His voice carried moral clarity in an increasingly fractured world, and his legacy will resonate for generations to come.” Chairperson of the African Union Commission 


A Heart For Immigrants

“I’m not really Catholic, but I think he did a lot for a lot of people. He was so accepting. I think that out of all the popes we’ve had in recent memory, he touched the most people.” Madeline Justiniano, NY (Sharing on Pope France’s importance to immigrants and marginalized communities). 


The topic of immigration is not new even though highlighted now in the state of American politics. Immigrants have been in the conversations between God and humanity every time He reminded Israel about their duty to treat each other with respect and dignity. These messages are not dead but remain in our call of duty. Born to Italian immigrants and living with the people in their plight, Pope Francis understood this existence. He was a bridge, defender, shield, and safe haven for the immigrant and simultaneously went against all who dare mistreat them. From the commoner to world leaders, he was not afraid to rebuke and expose any who dared deny immigrants their rights to safety. In his words.

  • “Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian,” (2016) Referring to Donald Trump 

  • "The Church cannot be herself without the immigrant." (2017)

  • "Migrants are not a threat to be feared; they are brothers and sisters to be welcomed."(2015)

  • "The refugee is not a number, he is a man, he is a woman, he is a child, a family, a people who are suffering." (2016)

  • “It is possible to see in the migrants of our time, as in those of every age, a living image of God’s people on their way to the eternal homeland.” (2024)

  • Working to turn migrants away from the prospect of peace and security in a new country is "a grave sin…" (2024)

  • “We must join forces "to combat human trafficking" and "stop the criminal traffickers who mercilessly exploit the misery of others."

  • "What kills migrants is our indifference and that attitude of rejection,"

  • "God does not remain at a distance, no. He shares in the migrants' drama, God is there with them, with the migrants," he said. "He suffers with them, with the migrants, he weeps and hopes with them." (2024)


Character: The True Stewardship of Power

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” Abraham Lincoln


Though a controversial leader in many conservative circles, his character shows that he strove to be a good steward of power. But the “power” for all of us to be able to use our influence and platform for the good can only come from the Holy Spirit. We may think the power we get is from man but God is the only source of power and He shares it with us with the gift of freewill to use it as we choose BUT in order to use it for His good and to help and not harm each other only comes with the help of the Holy Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (ESV)


There are lessons and Christian values that we can learn and model from such a life. 

  • Power should be used to testify about a life changed and adapted for a greater purpose - His life of humble beginnings, health challenges, hard worker and even a nightclub bouncer (yep you read correct), metamorphosed into a role of religious influence while using those beginning tools to show resilience, advocacy, compassion, and commonality with the people he served. Psalm 107:2

  • Power should be used to demonstrate good stewardship of wealth - Pope Francis could have lived a very privileged and comfortably luxurious life created for Pontiffs yet he chose to continue a life of simplicity without ostentation. 1 Timothy 6:17

  • Power should be used to model internal values - He chose the name Frances after St. Francis of Assisi the Poverello (Poor Little Man), continuing a call he believed was given to him to be a servant, to live a life of humility. Whereas others who with a tinge of power seek to change their title to reflect dominion, he chose a title to reflect and call others to a life of humility. Proverbs 22:1

  • Power should be used to demonstrate that true power is found in service - He celebrated the start of Catholicism’s “Holy Thursday” ceremonies with acts of service. In 2013 he washed the feet of 12 criminal offenders, including two women and a Muslim. He once admonished Catholic priests to "soul-searching" and "introspection." Stating "We need to go out ... to the outskirts where there is suffering, bloodshed, blindness that longs for sight and prisoners in thrall to many evil masters" and that the holy oil used to ordain priests was meant "for the edges" of society - "for the poor, prisoners and the sick, for those who are in sorrow and alone.”” Philippians 2:3–8

  • Power should be used as protective guards around the abused - 2019 Pope Frances ended the 'secrecy' rule on child sexual abuse in Catholic church. Deuteronomy 22:25-29 | Matthew 18:2-6

  • Power should be used to welcome and protect diversity and inclusion for all people and people groups including women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ communities - In 2023 at The "Cattedra dell'accoglienza" (the Chair of Welcome), he stated, “Love demands a greater capacity to welcome others…This is where God is in works of charity.” Deuteronomy 10:18, 19 | Galatians 3:28


A Call To Remember God’s Ability to Work And Shine Through Our Lives

This is a deeply important time in world history. Amidst all of the controversies, and commentaries about the meaning of this one man's death, It is important to look at the legacy of advocacy especially for “the others,” groups you and I most certainly fall into. The Pope’s death may be inconsequential to many but to many others, it signaled a rise of emotions in the dual mirror of respect and critique for his institution, his title. But it also unearthed the examination of him as an individual.


May we continue to look at each other through the lens of the cross, the life, death, and legacy of Jesus the Christ. May we be able to see more clearly through individuals, lives determined to take up the cause and teachings of Jesus for inclusion, diversity, charity, humility, and love for all. 

“Even if the life of a person has been a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs, or anything else—God is in this person’s life. You can, you must try to seek God in every human life. Although the life of a person is a land full of thorns and weeds, there is always a space in which the good seed can grow. You have to trust God.” Pope Francis

We imperfect humans can model more love over hate, stand in the gap and be a shield for the abuses, and be a bridge-maker for the immigrants, exiled, and marginalized. After all, the Apostle Paul did warn us not to miss the true legacy Christ’s followers of all faiths should strive to leave for the world. LOVE!

“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13: 8-13 (NIV)


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