May 5, 2025
Rest in Peace, Pope Francis
In the passing of Pope Francis, the world has lost a saint
For he Championed the downtrodden with whom he would acquaint
Turns out greatness isn’t loud – it tiptoes to the altar
A light that sets the world aglow – no wind can make it falter
On March 13th Twenty Thirteen [2013] this people centred Pope
Bowled us with his message of Love and Peace and Hope
With a friendly “ Buonasera” he responded to the crowd
Requesting them to pray for him, his head in silence bowed
Just like the man from Assisi , Jorge Bergoglio
Had simple-minded vision embedded in his core
He ditched the ermine scarlet cape ; his cassock eggshell white
He paid his bills, carried his bags – not seeking the spotlight
He chose the silver pectoral cross not the ornate gold
Gave up the ruby red boots for loafers that were old
The Domus Sanctae Marthae is where he chose to stay
Shunning regal trappings he chose the Christ-like way
A former nightclub bouncer with movie star appeal
He chose to ride the minivan and not the popemobile
“ I can’t connect with people in that stuffy sardine can”
Committed to simplicity – this San Lorenzo fan
The Tango loving modern Pope departed from tradition
“Who am I to judge” he asked – launching a revolution
His trip to Lampedusa – brought the world to tears
They saw the struggling migrants and understood their fears
Called the Pope of many firsts he didn’t forget his roots
Humility and Kindness were his greatest attributes
In the corridors of power Pope Francis didn’t get lost
The price of the Cross he said came at a heavy cost
The working-class barrio of Floresta was once home
Something that he didn’t forget when he moved to Rome
He understood the power of a simple loving touch
Vinicio Riva – humbled - said it really meant so much
In the Zavaleta district he walked on streets unpaved
Giving hope to drug addicts – many who were saved
Spending time in shanty towns , sharing food and drink
The slum priest carved his name on hearts with indelible ink
Our shepherd “with the smell of sheep” worked around the clock
While many can pontificate, he always walked the talk
He spent more time with inmates than the two-faced politician
Caring for the underdog was his relentless mission
He won the hearts of everyone – the stateless, poor and meek
Pledging to serve everyone especially the weak
He chose from young offenders and washed their feet with love
Olive branch in hand he was like Noah’s peaceful dove
Throughout his 12 year papacy he shepherded his flock
Like a fisherman named Peter – Our anchor and our rock
Building bridges all across, renouncing pomp and show
He reminds of us a man who walked 2000 years ago
“Miserando atque eligendo” his motto so well-chosen
His faith reminds us of his innate Marian devotion
“The Name of God is Mercy” reveals the Pontiffs role
How he reshaped the Vatican with all his heart and soul
Working towards building a poor church for the poor
Inclusion – just as Jesus sought – always an open door
The disadvantaged , dispossessed – welcomed into his fold
Saying “A little bit of mercy makes the world a lot less cold”
Opting for a single wooden coffin lined with zinc
Rejecting papal grandeur nudging you and me to think
Let’s make the world a better place with kindness and compassion
One good deed can set a trend - in swift “Franciscan” motion
On the 21st of April, Our Papa breathed his last
Church bells tolled around the world - flags flying at half-mast
1.4 billion Catholics – their heads bowed down in prayer
While He made His way to Heaven right from St Peters Square
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