WATER On the Death of Pope Francis

     The Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (WATER) offers condolences to Pope Francis’ family, friends, and his community, the Society of Jesus.

     He was first and foremost a person who will be missed by many.

     Francis championed the dignity and rights of the marginalized especially immigrants, refugees, prisoners, those in war-torn regions, and notably Earth itself, all of which reflect the ravages of human indifference.

     He condemned nuclear weapons, urged peace on those who wage war, and rejected the capitalist greed that consigns many to grinding poverty.    

     He lived simply, modeling his values from the car he used to the trappings of power he refused to embrace.

     Francis initiated a Synodal project to begin the thus far elusive process of dismantling a hierarchical church and creating communities of equality in dialogue.

     That work, as well as his efforts to eradicate clergy sexual abuse, remain far from finished.   

     Also unfinished is the inclusion of people of all genders and sexual orientations in full membership, ministry, and decision-making in the Church.

     Women’s moral agency remains unrecognized.

     These remain goals for those who survive him to accomplish.

     We will achieve them with thanks to Francis for his efforts to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”

     May Francis’ memory inspire generations of justice-seekers.

Diann L. Neu, Mary E. Hunt,

Magdalena Müller, Wed Naji,

Emily Neufeld, Anali North Martin

-The WATER Staff-