With millions of people around the world, I mourn the passing of Pope Francis.  Yes, he made some mistakes, and yes, he said some things he probably should not have said.  But Francis loved God, and he loved all the people he made.  He turned no one down, he turned no one away.  He sought to build a church that welcomes all, a church that is more concerned with inclusivity than doctrinal rigidity, a church that strove to, above all, let people know that God loves them.

    In addition, due to his position as the head of the largest Christian denomination on the planet, Francis had a degree of fame greater than all other spokespeople for religion.  He thus had extraordinary opportunities to tell the world that, whether people believe it or not, God indeed exists, and that he loves all people who do as well.  Francis kept the light of God at the forefront of the human imagination.

    For this, we should be grateful.  As the world continues on its merry (and no so merry, too) way, we all do well to remember the bigger picture.  That over and above all, there is a God who is infusing the entire cosmos with lasting point, purpose, and love.  Meaning prevails, hope remains.  Always.

    Rest well, Francis.