A Moment with Pope Francis: A Glimpse into the Heart of Humility –Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Pope Francis’ humility, inclusivity, and a profound commitment to social justice stand as a defining characteristic of his papacy, deeply rooted in his personal convictions and theological vision. His leadership style reflects a deep connection with people from all walks of life, as he practically encouraged servant leadership and a focus on the marginalized. From the outset, Pope Francis articulated a vision for the Church that emphasized humility and service. He expressed a desire for “a poor Church for the poor,” and underscored that true leadership within the Church is rooted in serving others with humility.
When the late Pontiff was elected as the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, I did not know him personally, nor had I heard about him. However, as a member of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Anna (FSSA), I was deeply inspired when he chose the name “Francis” in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology. This choice resonated with me, as it reflected a commitment to the values of humility, care for creation, solidarity with the poor, and promoting peace principles that are central to our Franciscan vocation.
By choosing this name, Pope Francis signalled a papal agenda centered on humility, social justice, and environmental stewardship. His encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, echo the themes of St. Francis’ teachings, which emphasize the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment, and call for a more inclusive and compassionate world. Pope Francis’ decision to align his papacy with the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi reaffirmed my dedication to these ideals and inspired me to live them out more fully in my own life and ministry.
Meeting a Pope is a once in a life time opportunity, such a rare and cherished experience. Meeting him twice is a profound blessing that leaves an indelible mark on the soul. I am glad to have met Pope Francis twice during his papacy, and on the two occasions we shook hands. Each encounter with the Holy Father is a testament to his unwavering humility and deep commitment to connecting with individuals from all walks of life.
In the heart of Juba, South Sudan, amidst a sea of hopeful faces and the rhythmic beats of traditional drums, I experienced a moment that I cherish to date when I shook the hands of a Pope for the first time, none other than Pope Francis, during his historic three-day visit to the world’s youngest nation to promote peace.
This was an accidental handshake. While capturing photographs during Pope Francis’ arrival at Juba International Airport on Friday, February 3, 2023, I found myself unexpectedly drawn into a moment of profound personal significance. As the Holy Father greeted the assembled bishops and dignitaries, one of the bishops turned to me and said, “Sister, can you grab that opportunity and greet the Holy Father? this is your chance, and you may not get another opportunity.”
Encouraged by his words, I stepped forward and extended my hand. To my amazement, Pope Francis clasped it warmly, his eyes meeting mine with a gentle kindness. With a touch of humour, he asked, “Are you a bishop?”—a light-hearted remark that made me laugh, realizing the uniqueness of the moment. Though brief, this spontaneous handshake left an indelible impression on me, reflecting the Pope’s humility and simplicity with which he engaged everyone around him.
My second encounter with Pope Francis took place two years later on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Papal Palace in the Vatican, which only deepened this impression with the Holy Father, revealing a leader whose humility is not just a personal virtue but a guiding principle of his papacy. This meeting occurred during a gathering of bishops presiding over communications commissions and national directors of communication offices from around the world. Pope Francis’ ability to make each person feel seen and valued reflects his dedication to a Church that is inclusive, compassionate, and grounded in service to others. These meetings with the Holy Father became a defining memory, one that continues to inspire and guide me in my spiritual journey.
On this day at his palace, even though he appeared a bit frail in body, he had an enduring spirit and addressed us while emphasizing the importance of humility in communication. He urged us to foster networks that convey hope and unity rather than division. He further reminded the communication team that effective communication is not merely about disseminating information but about building relationships and communities rooted in love and understanding. This experience deepened my appreciation for his leadership, showcasing how his humility serves as a guiding principle for his papacy, as he inspired us to approach our work with compassion and a commitment to uplifting others.
Pope Francis’ writings, particularly Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, have profoundly resonated with me, offering timely guidance in an era marked by environmental degradation and social fragmentation. In Laudato Si’, he emphasizes our collective responsibility to care for creation, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life and the moral imperative to protect our common home. This message deeply touched me, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship in my daily life. This writing inspired me to carry on scientific research on how Churches are responding to climate change, with a focus on how the media is reporting this response.
Similarly, Fratelli Tutti calls for a renewed sense of fraternity and social friendship. Here, the Pontiff urges us to transcend divisions and embrace a culture of dialogue and solidarity. His reflections on the parable of the Good Samaritan challenge us to recognize and respond to the suffering of others, and to foster a more compassionate and inclusive society. Together, these teachings have inspired me to live more consciously and empathetically, aligning my actions with the values of care, unity, and love that Pope Francis so eloquently advocated.
During his Papacy, Pope Francis significantly reshaped the global perceptions of religious sisters by elevating their roles within the Catholic Church and affirming their indispensable contributions to its mission. He appointed women to prominent Vatican positions, such as Sister Raffaella Petrini as the first female governor of Vatican City State. Pope Francis also emphasized the vital role of women religious in fostering communion and representing the Church’s maternal tenderness. By encouraging religious sisters to advocate for themselves when treated unjustly, even within the Church, Pope Francis acknowledged their agency and affirmed their vital role in the Church’s mission. These actions and messages have inspired a renewed appreciation for the work of religious sisters, highlighting their leadership in education, healthcare, and service to marginalized communities worldwide.
Pope Francis’s most enduring legacy is his transformative vision of a Church rooted in humility, inclusivity, and global solidarity. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, he reoriented the Catholic Church toward the peripheries, championing the rights of Indigenous peoples, integrating their languages and cultural practices into Catholic worship, and promoting environmental and social justice. Through his emphasis on synodality, he encouraged a more participatory Church, giving voice to laity and marginalized communities. Francis’s outreach extended beyond Catholicism. He fostered interfaith dialogue and unity among diverse religious traditions. His papacy redefined the role of the Church in the modern world, where he emphasized compassion, justice, and a preferential option for the poor. As the Church looks to the future, Pope Francis’ legacy serves as a guiding light for a more inclusive and compassionate global community.