Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ inclusion, environmentalism, and compassionate leadership

Pope Francis — the first non-European pope in over a thousand years and a deeply loved voice for justice and compassion — has died at the age of 88. It’s hard to capture just how much he meant to so many around the world. From the moment he stepped out onto that balcony in 2013 with the quiet words “don’t forget the poor,” he showed us a different kind of papal leadership — one rooted in humility, humanity, and hope.

To help us reflect on his legacy, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush sat down with Father James Martin, someone who knew Pope Francis personally and has long been a bold, thoughtful voice for inclusion in the Church — especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ Catholics.

Father Jim shared moving stories of his conversations with Pope Francis — from their shared Jesuit background to the Pope’s personal support for Father Jim’s ministry with LGBTQ+ folks. It’s clear that Pope Francis wasn’t just a global leader; he was someone who saw and cared deeply for individuals, especially those often left at the margins.

They also talked about Pope Francis’s groundbreaking writings — including his encyclicals on the environment and human fraternity — and what made his leadership so unique: empathy, courage, and a deep commitment to Gospel justice. But the conversation didn’t shy away from the present, either. Father Jim also weighs in on what’s next for the Church — the challenges it faces, and the kind of leadership we need moving forward.

If you’ve ever felt inspired by Pope Francis, challenged by his words, or just curious about the human being behind the papal robes, this episode is for you.

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You can hear this special episode below:

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