in memory of Pope Francis z”l

Today, I stood beneath the soaring Gothic arches of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a place steeped in holiness and centuries of spiritual striving. I was there as part of the New York City rabbinic delegation, invited to bear witness and offer presence at a solemn, historic moment: the memorial Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis, of blessed memory.

The weight of the moment was already immense as I entered. A man who redefined humility, who reminded the world that the sacred resides in the margins, had passed. Pope Francis, whose soul bore the Gospel and whose heart beat in rhythm with the vulnerable of all faiths, had departed this world. And yet, his presence filled the space, not just in memory, but in the community gathered—Christian, Muslim, Jewish, people of no faith, and those whose faith burns like fire.

I found myself overwhelmed with emotion more than once. The solemn chant, the stained glass dancing in colored light, the deep breaths between prayer and mourning—in honor of a soul who brought kindness and courage – and a sense of human justice – into places of power.........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)