Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, the former head of the US Bishops and a key figure during Pope Francis’ historic visit to the United States in 2015, reflected on the impact of the late Holy Father in an interview with Vatican News.
Kurtz expressed his disbelief over the passage of nearly ten years since Pope Francis made his Apostolic Journey to America, stating, “My mind and heart are filled with memories.”
He emphasized how both the Church and the nation perceived Pope Francis as a representation of God’s mercy. While noting that the world is mourning his death, he remarked, “People yearned to hear the message of mercy.”
One notable contribution of Pope Francis was his Apostolic Exhortation, ‘Evangelii Gaudium, ‘The Joy of the Gospel.’ Kurtz praised this document as a significant reflection of the Pope’s heartfelt priorities and a summation of his twelve years of service.
Specifically, Archbishop Kurtz recalled the Pope’s address during his visit to Washington, DC, particularly his speech at the Joint Meeting of Congress. For Kurtz, this moment was one of the most moving experiences of the visit, one that would be remembered not only in Church records but also in the annals of U.S. history.
Kurtz pointed out that Pope Francis’ discussions about freedom and dignity resonated deeply within a hurting world. He stated, “He spoke about freedom and the need to use freedom well and to treat people with dignity.”
What made the address particularly powerful, in Kurtz’s view, was the Pope’s personal touch as he honored American heroes, referencing figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Thomas Merton, and Dorothy Day.
Having accompanied the Holy Father throughout his Apostolic Journey, which included stops in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, Archbishop Kurtz recalled poignant memories from Philadelphia, where the Pope stayed at Saint Charles Seminary, his own alma mater.
Reflecting on a memorable visit to a prison in Northeast Philadelphia, Kurtz noted the profound significance of that encounter. He connected this moment to the Pope’s ongoing pastoral mission, mentioning how one of Francis’ final visits around Easter was also to a prison.
As he concluded the interview, Archbishop Kurtz expressed that while the Church mourns the loss of Pope Francis, many will cherish the beautiful memories he created during his papacy.
His presence and messages of mercy, dignity, and personal connection will long be remembered by the faithful and beyond.
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