Pope Francis’ Trip to Heaven

As all the world knows -- on Easter Monday morning, Pope Francis made his final journey -- this time, straight into the arms of the One he loved and served so faithfully. Just hours after offering his last Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he stepped into glory. What timing! What triumph!

I believe heaven rang with Hallelujahs, and Jesus Himself greeted him with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Easter doesn’t just celebrate Christ’s resurrection--it gives us the blessed assurance that we, too, will rise. Pope Francis is now basking in the presence of the Risen Lord he proclaimed so tenderly to the world.

My heart returned to a treasured moment in 2017, when my dear friends Charles and Shelia Michie and I visited Vatican City. We were among the sea of people in St. Peter’s Square, but oh, what a view we had -- front row seats beside the very path where Pope Francis rode by in his Popemobile. We were so close we could see the gentleness in his face, the joy in his eyes.

Next to us sat a young couple holding a beautiful six-month-old baby boy, dressed in white, clutching a sign that read: “Our baby was born on your birthday.” Their hope? That Pope Francis would see their child. And friend, he did. He reached out, took that little one, and placed a kiss on his cheek. A sacred moment. A prayer answered.

Pope Francis reminded me so much of Jesus in that moment. He truly embodied the heart of a shepherd -- humble, kind, approachable. Like our Lord, he made time for the little ones, the forgotten, the seekers.

I’ll never forget his message that day: “The Fatherhood of God is the wellspring of our hope.” He spoke of the prodigal father’s love, of our God who welcomes us home time and again. He reminded us that when we call Him Abba, Father -- we are calling out to One who never leaves us, never gives up on us, and always hears our prayers.

So today, I celebrate the life and legacy of Pope Francis, one of many faithful voices who helped us see and savor God’s amazing grace. May we carry the torch forward -- loving, serving, and telling the old, old story of Jesus and His love.