Pope Francis: A life for the poor - grief and memory!

Pope Francis: A life for the poor - grief and memory!

on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died at the age of 88. The news has triggered grief and concern all over the world, especially within the Catholic community. Diocesan administrator Antonius Hamers recognizes Franziskus as a "philanthropist and bridge builder", who has tirelessly campaigned for the renewal of the Catholic Church. Hamers emphasizes that Francis always strived for a synodal church that is borne in shared responsibility by all believers.

Franziskus was known for his tireless efforts to promote the preservation of creation and to donate peace and to reject violence. The poor, sick, weak and disenfranchised were particularly important to him. The late Pope is commemorated in an upcoming memorial service in the diocese of Münster, which will take place in Paulusdom on Sunday, April 27, at 10 a.m. Parishes in the diocese are invited to ring the dead bell every day.

a legacy of renewal

The incumbent old bishop Felix Genn also recognizes the outstanding commitment of Francis for a synodal church. In his memories, Genn expresses gratitude for the trust that Francis brought him towards him by appointing him to various church offices. He also emphasizes the unconventional nature of the Pope and emphasizes that Francis put the poor at the center of his proclamation.

Franziskus' vision of a synodal church manifested itself through the invitation to the Catholic community worldwide. The goals of this path include a realistic inventory of the current state of the church as well as joint considerations for future development. The first step envisaged open conversations in the dioceses to gain opinions and experiences, a process that also found great response in the diocese of Münster.

The synodal way in the diocese of Münster

The beginning of the synodal path was celebrated in the diocese of Münster with a pontifical office on October 17th. The bishop of the diocese clearly advocated a synodal church in which the participation of the base is of great importance. Feedback on ten questions from a Roman preparatory document could be submitted by January 15, 2022. This survey received great encouragement: over 200 people participated, including individuals, school classes and groups.

• include important questions of the synodal path:
1. companions and community in the church.
2. Listening and taking into account different voices.
3. Open communication and taboo topics.
4. meaning of the Eucharist and services.
5. responsibility and personal commitment.
6. Dialogue with others and dealing with conflicts.
7. Ecumenical relationships with other denominations.
8. forms of participation and management in the church.
9. Decision processes and consultation of the believers.
10. Education and further education in the synodal context.

The results of the feedback were provided in the diocesan council and the diocese of Münster will continue the synodal path. A tighter schedule is intended to ensure that this process will be completed in front of the Roman Bishopric Synod. The participation of the faithful in the synodal path is still possible, be it via Facebook or email. This initiative, coupled with the legacy of Pope Francis, could cause sustainable changes in the Catholic Church.