As Pope Francis is laid to rest in Vatican City this Saturday, many young Catholics in the Boston area are reflecting on how his papacy has reignited interest in the Church among their generation.
Lily Harden, a senior at Boston College, highlights Francis’ unique ability to connect with youth across generations. “It takes a special person to be able to do that. I don’t know that there are many people like Pope Francis,” she shared. “His light was able to shine across generations and make those connections that aren’t always necessarily possible.”
Harden, who serves as president of the Ignatian Society and is involved in campus ministry, noted that her peers are drawn to Pope Francis’ progressive views on immigration, climate change, and social justice issues. “We’re the ones that are signing up for different events and opportunities to reflect in community and the communal discernment process,” she said.
The pontiff’s legacy has sparked interest among young Catholics, according to Mathew Schmalz, a professor of religious studies at Holy Cross. He pointed out that despite some criticism from conservative factions within the Church, Francis has succeeded in attracting a younger audience. “In a lot of places, young people seem to be attracted to the traditional forms of Catholicism,” Schmalz stated, referencing a segment of Catholics who lean towards more traditional practices, including the growing Latin mass movement.
Schmalz noted that these traditional perspectives were more typical during the papacies of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, contrasting them with Francis’ more modern views. Nevertheless, he remarked, “With Pope Francis, it’s become cool to be Catholic again.”
At Stonehill College in Easton, students echoed these sentiments about the pontiff’s influence. Avery Areson from Smithfield, Rhode Island, appreciated Francis’ ability to communicate relatable ideas. “His points were extremely easy to understand, and he would bring different ideas that a lot of people can relate to,” she said, expressing hope that future popes will continue his progressive practices.
Trinity Elder from Rockport, Massachusetts, acknowledged that Francis has made the Church more inclusive. “It allows for more inclusiveness than what’s previously been taught within the church,” he explained, adding that the pope has inspired a movement that has gotten younger people involved in the faith. “He’s set a high bar, for sure, for all the other popes to come.”
Connor O’Donnell from Abington, Massachusetts, praised Francis for his moderate approach and genuine character. “He did a very good job at staying moderate and being a good-hearted person, which I think is more important than any sort of political stance,” he noted.
Rachel Doyle, a student from Dallas, highlighted the positive perception of the pope within her academic sphere, noting how professors often speak highly of him and his communal approach to faith. “All my professors talk about what great fans they are of him and what he does for the church,” she said.
Neave Bowman from Massapequa, New York, reflected on the significance of Francis’ role within modern Catholicism. “I think he was a very important figure in the Catholic religion, and he did a really nice job of including everyone into it and adjusting the views to fit modern day,” she remarked.
Grace Mercurio from Warwick, Rhode Island, encapsulated the collective sentiment: Pope Francis made strides towards modernizing the Church. His legacy will likely resonate with young followers as the Church moves forward into an uncertain future.
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