A Latter-day Saint Tribute to Pope Francis
His faith and guidance were a blessing to the world and to my community.
There was a great deal to love about him and I will remember him with fondness.
Pope Francis set a powerful example for religious leadership on the importance of bridging the gap between progress and tradition. He set priorities for serving the poor, the marginalized, and the planet that I hope other faith leaders, including my own, will continue to follow.
His tenure brought about important changes in the relationship between our two faiths. His kindness and graciousness was an invitation for many in my community to lay aside deeply held prejudices about Catholics and the Catholic Church.
Because of that inspired leadership and sincere friendship that Pope Francis was open to developing with the leaders of my faith, we have a temple in Rome. We have a partnership for preserving Catholic Church genealogical records. We can be better friends and neighbors than we have been in the past.
I'm grateful for the example he set on leaving comfort zones for the sake of creating a better future, including for those who could not see his vision.
Our communities have a lot in common and so much to learn from each other. Pope Francis opened so many doors to exploring that commonality.
Whomever comes out of the conclave will have enormous shoes to fill.
I will be praying for my Catholic friends and neighbors for a peaceful transition, that your hopes and concerns will be answered in the leadership to come.
It's what you all deserve❤️
