Francis sleeps very little the last night in his small apartment at the Vatican. He tosses and turns, knowing that when he rises in the morning his papacy will be over. Tormenting him is his memory of his visit to Lampedusa and the haunting images of the refugees there. At 3:00 a.m., he gives up on sleep, dresses, and says his morning prayers.
He walks down the hall of the Santae Martae and into the small chapel where he has celebrated daily Mass for the past seven years. Next to a pew at the rear of the chapel, he bows to the altar and takes a seat in the near darkness. The plaster figures of Mary and Joseph, occupying places of honor on each side of the main altar, are haloed by candles powered by batteries.
In this solitude, Francis thinks about leaving his papacy. He is feeling the relief of the absence of his powers and responsibilities, yet melancholy about saying farewell to the joys and sorrows being pope has afforded him. Ahead for him now is the community of his aged and retired brethren.
• • •
Aboard the Air Italia charter jet, are Francis, Father Soto, and Sister Mary, who is serving as the former Pope’s physician for his flight home. Their first stop is twelve hours away in McAllen, Texas. As the jet lifts off the runway at Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Francis strains to look out the window to catch a last glimpse of St. Peter’s Basilica, the renowned Roman Catholic edifice that has recently been at the center of his life.
Alitalia has been the host airline for Francis during his seven-year papacy.
Today his flight is, as usual, filled with reporters who expect Francis to hold a press conference, as he usually does, sometime during the flight. Today’s flight is very long, and Francis will work with Father Soto before catching up on his sleep in his refitted compartment furnished with a bed. Then, before dinner, Francis will speak with the reporters, giving them time to write and file their stories prior to landing.
Francis and Father Soto sit next to each other so that Soto can describe how they will spend the two days along the border between the United States and Mexico. Turning to Francis, Soto says, “We will be greeted at the airport by Cardinals Pimentel and Moreno Coto, Father Daly, and Monsignor Torres, the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish. We will then drive twenty minutes to the parish and take you to the Respite Center where you will address the workers, volunteers, and refugees. It will be late, so our visit at the center will be limited. It is our only event, so we can play it by ear. The rectory where we are staying for the night as guests of Monsignor Torres is right next door to the Center.”
When Soto finishes, Francis takes a nap, sleeping soundly for two hours until he is wakened by Father Soto.
• • •
Often on these trips, Francis and Soto prepare an announcement for the press corps and then take questions about the announcement or anything else the reporters are interested in discussing. Today, the two men anticipate that the press corps will be most interested in discussing the luncheon meeting tomorrow with Mexican President Obrador.
During the transition with retired Pope Benedict, Francis came to realize there can be only one Pope. Francis is determined to keep his distance from whomever the Conclave chooses as his successor. Even so, as a former pope, he knows he still has a public profile that he can use to promote peace and justice. He is not about to surrender those opportunities. Francis admires Jimmy Carter’s work during his years after leaving the White House—especially the efforts Carter made on behalf of the poor with the Habitat for Humanity program and his work to eradicate guinea worm disease in Africa. Francis is committed to work with President Obrador and others to create jobs and educational opportunities in Central America while also tackling the scourge of drug and gang violence, especially in the Northern Triangle countries.
Francis splashes his face with cold water, reviving himself after his sleep. He and Father Soto then go over their last-minute notes before they enter the section of the plane where the reporters are seated.
“Buenas tardes,” Francis warmly greets the reporters. “It has been a great honor for me to share my papacy with all of you. Your job is challenging and at times very difficult and stressful. I have tried to honor the vital role you perform in the public interest.” Francis pauses before continuing. “This may seem strange to some of you, but I will miss you. I will miss the challenge of answering your questions and commenting on your observations. I have always thought that the most important job in a society is that of a teacher. Well, in many ways, that is what you do. By your writings you inform and teach your community of readers. A noble calling indeed.”
Francis sees an editor among the reporters and lightens his remarks. “Ah, I see we have an editor here as well.” With a teasing smile, Francis continues, “You know what they say about editors. Editors separate the wheat from the chaff and then print the chaff.”
The reporters have heard this joke about their bosses before, but they still roar with laughter and appreciation for how well Francis understands their jobs. Francis walks over to the editor, who is seated in an aisle seat, and with a playful smile blesses the editor with the sign of the cross in the manner that a priest uses to absolve a sinner in the confessional. Another roar of laughter bursts throughout the plane. To “make up” to the editor, Francis kisses him on the top of his head and says, “I owe you the first question.”
The editor, who has been a good sport about all of this, asks, “Pope Francis, what will you do in your retirement?”
Francis thinks for a few seconds and says, “As many of you know, tomorrow I will meet with President Obrador to discuss the refugee crisis. The Mexican President has proposed something like the Marshall Plan that helped Europe recover after World War II. I think he is onto something here. After our meeting tomorrow, we can talk more about this idea on our last leg of my flight home. So, if my health allows, I will be engaged but will not get in the way of the new pontiff. There can only be one Vicar of Christ at a time.
“I will also try to enjoy the remaining time I have left. I look forward to sitting under a shade tree with a cool drink.” Francis pauses again and then adds, “There was a time when I loved to tango. Who knows?”
• • •
Cardinals Norma Pimentel and Moreno Coto along with Father Daly and Monsignor Torres greet Francis at the airport. Rocia is also there covering the visit for the New York Times, and she joins the reporters who have been on the plane. The reporters board a chartered bus while Francis and the other clergy drive by car to the parish, where a throng of supporters are waiting to see and hear the former pontiff.
When they arrive at dusk, it is still light enough for them to see from their cars the structures that make up the complex. There, of course, is the church, which is the center of any parish. Next to the church is a small building where catechism and English classes for non-English-speaking parishioners are held. On the other side is the rectory, and behind the church and rectory is a playfield lined for soccer. Abutting the playfield is the Humanitarian Respite Center and long communal tents, erected by the city of McAllen.
The cars drive up to the main entrance of the Respite Center where above the double-wide doors a sign reads: “Catholic Charities Humanitarian Respite Center.” Inside there is a feeling of hope and love. As Francis and the others enter the center, they are greeted by a children’s area filled with colorful plastic toys and small red and blue chairs. The chairs are near low, accessible bookshelves filled with books for the children and a higher shelf holding books for older kids. The walls of this room are covered with children’s paintings and drawings. Two girls, maybe 7 and 8 years old, are seated next to each other, taking turns reading their book out loud.
Sister Norma—which she is still called here, rather than Cardinal Pimentel—escorts Francis into the center and motions for him to go to the reception area, where the children and adults are sent to be processed when they first arrive. But his attention is immediately drawn to the colorful children’s room, lifting his spirits. He stands quietly, enjoying all the pleasure in this room where the girls are reading. Francis waits to see if the girls will look up from their book, and when they do he smiles and waves to them. They wave back, and then he turns his attention to Sister Norma.
The center is filled with staff, volunteers, and refugees who have recently arrived from their long journeys. During Sister Norma’s tour, she describes for Francis the function of each room. There is a food pantry that provides staples and even some fresh food during the growing season. There is a shop where refugees can choose clean secondhand clothes. Another large room is filled with refugees, maybe seventy-five people, who rest on mats that cover the space wall to wall. Sister Norma tells Francis and the others that in addition to this room there are long tents out back that have beds, cots, and communal bathrooms.
“Pope Francis,” Sister Norma says, “when refugees arrive many are in a state of bewilderment and some suffer depression. They have been on the road for months. Their desire is for rest and stability for themselves and their families. When they walk in for the first time, they are cheered to make them feel welcome and appreciated.”
Francis is taken aback by how young they all are. They’re mostly children, but even their parents or guardians look as if they are only in their 20s. Francis, Soto, Daly, and the two new cardinals stand out in this sea of youth. Suddenly, a young mother hands her squirming toddler to Francis. As Pope, he was used to people handing him their children, and he gently and kindly, with two hands, receives the child and softly embraces the boy, who is surprised and with a quizzical frown wonders: who is this old man?
“Como se llama?” Francis quietly asks his mother.
“Antonio,” she beams.
Francis kisses Antonio’s forehead, then cradles him in one arm and with his other blesses the boy. His mother has tears of joy in her eyes. Photos are taken, and a significant moment for Antonio and his mother is captured forever. Francis then gives the child back to his mother and asks for all to gather around to hear what he has to say. He waits as those in other rooms make their way into the main commons room of the center. The pool of reporters and photographers scramble for a place in the crowd so they can do their jobs. Finally, all settle down, and Sister Norma comes forward to introduce her special guest.
At the end of her introduction in Spanish, Sister Norma calls Francis a “pope of mercy,” and everyone in the room nods their heads. Mercy is well understood and appreciated in this room at this moment. Loud applause and cheers fill the center, and the former pope takes the hand microphone from Sister Norma and waits for the room to quiet itself.
Continuing in Spanish, Francis begins. “I will have many wonderful things to say about Sister Norma and Father Melo tomorrow when we celebrate the work of these two new cardinals.” When those in the center hear the word, “cardinals,” they explode into cheers of appreciation, recognizing the great honor the pope has bestowed on their beloved nun.
Francis again waits for the crowd to settle. “But tonight it is getting late, and many of you have made a long journey. For me, I just sat on an airplane for twelve hours. But for you, many have walked more than a thousand miles to be here in order to breathe new hope and freedom into your lives and that of your children. There is much love and hope in this room. I can feel it. Can you?”
Shouts of “Si! Si!” ring out from the crowd.
“As children” Francis continues, “Catholics are taught the Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love. We memorize it as children, and it stays with us throughout our life. Before we finish tonight, I want to say something about faith.
“Faith is not a light that scatters all our darkness, but a lamp that guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey. For some of you, your faith has sustained you and brightened the way in your struggles to reach freedom and safety. Always remember that, even in your darkest hour, Jesus is with you holding a lamp, lighting your way. Go with God, in peace. My friends, I will see you tomorrow.
• • •
On this early Saturday morning, Francis rises, dresses, and walks next door to the church to say the 6:00 a.m. Mass. He is stunned to find the church packed and many parishioners assembled near the front of the church ready to participate through a broadcast that will be seen on a large screen set up next to the steps leading to the church doors. Father Soto has not told Francis about this, and it is a lovely surprise. The size of the crowd and their celebratory mood lifts Francis’s spirit.
Francis had not prepared or even thought about a homily for a 6:00 a.m. Mass. But now he is spiritually on fire. This turnout inspires him to focus on a theme that will revolve around community. He remembers the conversation he had last night in the rectory with Cardinal Moreno Coto about the cardinal’s former parishioners in Tegucigalpa, the Gonzalez family.
Francis begins his homily by talking about the Church and his vision of what it should be. “I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been on the street, rather than a Church that is sanitized from being confined and clinging to its own security. I invite each of you to spread your faith by loving and caring for each other. Cardinal Moreno Coto has shared with me the story of one of your families, who migrated here to Sacred Heart Parish. They sought asylum, because of the violence that befell them in Honduras. Because of this violence and the threats against them, they were forced to move. They were able to do so only with the support of Catholic Charities and the generosity of their fellow parishioners in Honduras. It is a poor parish, but they aided each other with what little they had, and the Church stood with them by helping this family, who has suffered so grievously at the hands of gangs and drug lords. Our Church needs to be more about your families, especially your children. Our Church needs to be talking with governmental and community leaders about making every parish, every neighborhood, and every school safe and nourishing. Let us give thanks this morning for the leadership of Monsignor Torres and Sister Norma who have created here at Sacred Heart a place filled with good Samaritans.”
• • •
After Mass, at breakfast in the rectory, Father Soto briefs Francis on their next event this morning at the immigration detention center, also called the Customs and Patrol Processing Center. This is where Maria Elena and her family were brought after they crossed the border and first asked for asylum.
“This is where tens of thousands were taken once they crossed the border,” Soto tells Francis. “This facility received notoriety last year for horrendous living conditions. It is also where children were separated from their parents and where today, over a year later, a thousand children have not been reunited with their families. The international media, human rights organizations, and child welfare agencies and organizations exposed the unacceptable conditions. As you recall in the report that Sister Mary and I presented to you, the refugees were locked in caged enclosures and forced to sleep on cold cement floors. It was reported that often the refugees were denied basic sanitary objects like toothbrushes or clean water. These were inhumane and demeaning conditions. Rather than recognize the dignity of those who walk great distances each day for months at a time to escape terror and seek asylum, the Trump administration treats them as criminals. The spotlight recently has been on this facility, and it is better, but it still needs improvement.”
Cardinals Pimentel and Moreno Coto, along with Father Daly, meet Francis at the Customs and Patrol Processing Center for their tour, and they are followed by a pool of reporters. Prior to the visit, Father Soto arranged for Francis to speak to an assembly of staff and workers. After a short tour of the facility, Francis joins a room of about 200 staff in the building’s auditorium. He is graciously introduced by the manager of the center.
Francis begins by thanking them for their work. “All work has value” he says. “And your work is most difficult. You see families and little ones who have been for months without a home. It must break your hearts. You may wonder why the refugees don’t remain in their own communities. You are puzzled as to why this has not happened. I also share your concerns about why so many come. And I think we all know the answers to that—they don’t feel safe and secure, and they want better economic opportunity for themselves and their families.
“After I leave this meeting, I will go to Reynosa to meet the Mexican president. We have pledged to work together to try to do something about this question of ‘Why do they come?’ If there is safety and economic opportunity in their home countries, we believe that most would not come and would prefer to remain among their relatives and friends.
“Sister Norma has told me personally how demanding your jobs are. She has told me about the good people who work for the Border Patrol and that most of you treat the migrants with respect and dignity while also trying to uphold your laws. I thank you for that. And, if you see your brothers or sisters abuse the refugees, it is important for you to speak up. Remind them that every human being has dignity and the vast majority are good and decent people often trapped in a corrupt and dangerous environment. Let us all work together to solve our border issues so that safety and justice work for all. Please pray for our success at our meeting this afternoon.”
When Francis finishes, the crowd rises and applauds his remarks. They are touched that he recognizes them with his kindness and understanding.
• • •
On the International Bridge leading to Reynosa, Francis stares out his window at the refugees making their way in the pedestrian lane. Sitting next to Francis, Soto wonders what his boss is thinking as he watches the stream of weary migrants, many carrying backpacks, as they trudge their last quarter-mile into the United States.
At the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe near the central Plaza, President Manuel Lopez Obrador waits at the curbside ready to receive his distinguished guests. Parts of the neoclassical cathedral are the remains of a Franciscan mission built in 1789. The president is hoping to add to its legacy today with this historic meeting.
Francis, who practices what he preaches about the environment, insisted that he, Soto, and the two cardinals be driven in one car. He even asked Father Soto about the possibility of their taking public transportation, but Soto convinced him that taking a bus across the border would eat up valuable time that was better spent discussing the aid package. The three prelates are squeezed into the back seat of the Ford Lincoln MKZ that had been assembled in Hermosillo, Mexico. After an uncomfortable forty-five-minute drive, they arrive at the cathedral and are received as dignitaries by Obrador and Mexican Cardinal Carlos Aguilar Retes, who is a longtime friend of Francis.
During the lunch, which is served in a conference room attached to the cathedral, the well-prepared Obrador presents a list of world leaders he has talked with who are interested in, and even excited about, the idea of creating a development and recovery fund for Central American countries with emphasis for those from the Northern Triangle—Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
“I have talked with Oscar Arias, the former president of Costa Rica, Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile, and former Brazilian President Lula, and they have all pledged their support to participate in this endeavor. In the United States, there is great interest from former president George W. Bush and Senator Mitt Romney. Also, I have talked with former President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Senator Schumer, who have also expressed their willingness to work toward this goal.
“I am of course open to your suggestions of who should participate, and it is my hope that the Catholic Church will play a major role in our discussions and eventual implementation. We are deeply honored that you, Pope Francis, have spoken positively about the concept and have done so publicly. We will all miss your leadership in Rome. Thank you for the courage and decency you have demonstrated during your long and distinguished service. And, oh yes! We will need your help to convince your successor to support our vision.”
Francis thanks President Obrador for his extraordinary work and pledges to stay active to try to make this idea a reality. After lunch, more details are discussed, and then the participants depart, each having a list of assignments to perform before they come together again.
Father Soto listens carefully to the conversation between Francis and Obrador, takes good notes, and responds when called upon by Francis. The priest knows that this project is another chapter in his life of service to the Church and specifically to his boss. Soto’s admiration and loyalty for Francis is his lifetime commitment. Soto views this next assignment as a continuation on the road to justice and mercy. He thinks to himself, Building the beloved community, exactly what Francis talked about in his homily this morning.
The afternoon is sunny and mild. It is seventy-six degrees, perfect weather to play or watch soccer. Maria Elena sits on the sidelines near midfield with her three daughters, who have just finished their game. Teresa is especially elated after scoring a goal that helped her team to a victory over a neighboring parish team. The girls and their mother are watching Jose’s team warm up with stretches and footwork drills.
Thirty minutes before the match is to begin, Maria and her daughters see in the near distance flashing red lights and sirens from police cars. Normally, that is not a welcome sight or sound in this parish of refugees. However, this afternoon the motorcade is bringing Pope Francis and his colleagues back from their luncheon meeting in Reynosa. The car drops off the former pope and the new cardinals in front of the rectory next to the soccer field.
Rocia and several other reporters jump off their bus and rush toward the clerics, trying to get a comment about the meeting with President Obrador. Father Soto intercepts them and reports on the meeting as Francis and the two cardinals enter the rectory.
Rocia listens for ten minutes to Soto’s give-and-take with the reporters until she suddenly notices three familiar girls staring at her with big eyes and smiles. She immediately breaks away, runs to the girls and tightly embraces Teresa and her sisters.
Inside the rectory, Francis and Cardinal Moreno Coto are watching all this through the dining room window.
“Those three girls are part of the family you preached about this morning at Mass,” Cardinal Coto explains to Francis. “Their brother, Jose, who helped to restrain the armed abductor on the bus, served Mass for me in their parish in Tegucigalpa. He is playing a CYO soccer match this afternoon.”
“Where?” asks Francis
Somewhat surprised, the cardinal points in the direction of the field and says, “Right here, on the parish field.”
Excited, Francis says, “Let’s go watch for a little while. I would like to meet their mother.”
“I was just going to suggest that we do that,” Cardinal Coto interjects. “It has been more than a year since I have seen Maria Elena, and she will be thrilled to meet you.”
With a furrowed brow and somewhat puzzled look on his face, Francis asks, “That reporter with the girls—she must be the one who was on the bus, don’t you think?”
“Yes. Her name is Rocia Marquez, and she works for the New York Times. She has been covering Central America for many decades and is excellent at her job.”
Sister Norma, Father Daly, Sister Mary Vernard, and Monsignor Torre are in the rectory kitchen discussing the meeting with Obrador when Francis walks in and surprises them. “Let’s all go to the field next door and watch a kids’ soccer match. We will be meeting the Gonzalez family, former parishioners of Cardinal Moreno Coto.”
With that, all six religious leaders walk to the nearby field. The three girls and Rocia follow with Father Soto, who is now finished with his briefing.
Maria Elena sees the group headed for the field and recognizes Padre Melo. She jumps up and rushes over to greet him with a hug. There is no kissing of rings here. For many years, Padre Melo had been Maria’s confessor and counsellor. Francis stops and waits while the new cardinal and Maria Elena renew their friendship. Francis is confirming to himself: It is a good thing to have made him a cardinal.
Padre Melo introduces Maria Elena and her daughters to Francis. The girls crowd close to their mother. They are not used to all this attention from such important people. Teresa seems to enjoy it more than her younger sisters, who partially hide behind their mother’s skirt.
Before Maria Elena is able to say anything, Francis says, “I am pleased to meet you and your children. And I am so sorry for all the sadness you and your family have suffered. Padre Melo, Father Daly, and now Sister Norma have all shared your story with me. I am pleased to hear that you and your family were granted asylum.”
In a hushed and humble voice, with words that could have been spoken by an ambassador, Maria Elena responds, “Thank you, Pope Francis, for your kindness. You have given me and my children inspiration and hope for a better future. We wish you a good retirement and happiness.”
Sister Norma joins the conversation. “Pope Francis, Maria and her children are some of our best volunteers. Each Saturday morning, they are at the respite center doing whatever work that they are asked to do. Maria is a wonderful example for her children. Our parish is grateful to have them.”
Pope Francis notices Jose, who now has become part of the group. “And I see, Sister Norma, that the parish has inherited some promising young soccer players. I heard walking over here that Teresa scored a goal in victory earlier today, and now I would like to meet Jose. Padre Melo tells me that this young man had put a dent in the wall of the church in Tegucigalpa from all his soccer kicks.
Everyone laughs at Francis’s complimentary joke.
“Jose,” Francis says, “we are all grateful for your courage on that bus and for your leadership in your family and now again at this parish. Padre Melo and Monsignor Torres have told me that you are also an excellent altar boy. You and your sisters have made your mother very proud. You have given her a lovely gift in return for the care and love that she has given to you. Now go play—they are waiting to start the game.”
Rocia is mentally memorizing these exchanges so she can recreate this scene for the final article in her series for the New York Times.
Francis beams, watching Jose as he runs out to join his teammates on the field.
• • •
The choice of venue for the celebration of the two new cardinals is no fancy ballroom but instead a place of the people, the Humanitarian Respite Center. Volunteers spend the afternoon cleaning and decorating so it will look its best. Sacred Heart Parish is expecting most of the parishioners to be there to see and hear Francis. The two new cardinals insist that children be part of the celebration, to have the experience of being in the presence of Pope Francis. In addition, labor and business leaders are expected to attend, along with the mayor and city council of McAllen. Other politicians and religious leaders from Brownsville, an hour’s drive away, will be coming. From across the border, in Matamoros, Father Anthony, the pastor of Our Lady of Refuge Church, who has been a courageous leader on issues of immigration, and Cardinal Retes, Francis’s good friend from Mexico City, will make the journey to attend.
At the celebration, Francis talks about how unique and special the two new cardinals are. “Tonight,” he says, “we celebrate their lives of sacrifice and courage. We honor them with a new title, but to you, in your hearts, they will always be Sister Norma and Padre Melo. I look around this room, and it is filled with beautiful people, and more than half are girls and women. I think to myself that the children here tonight, no matter their gender, race, or station in life, can aspire to leadership in our church. I think this is what Jesus would want.
“Sister Norma and Padre Melo are true shepherds of their flock. A woman and this priest elevated to high leadership fill my heart with joy. The Church is changing from its bureaucratic self and evolving into a pastoral church. By becoming a church of the people, it is facing up to its derelictions and sins of the past.
“In the morning, the cardinals here tonight will fly to Rome for the Vatican Synod and Conclave to choose my successor. I will fly to be with my sister in Buenos Aires, Argentina. My home. But I will always remember this special parish and those who have made it so.
“St. Ignatius taught us, there are two things to know about love. The first: Love is expressed more clearly in actions than in words. The second: There is greater love in giving than in receiving. Thank you for sharing your love.”