Waldensians and their supporters and friends in the United States were profoundly affected by the ministry of the late Pope Francis. This tribute was written by Kevin Frederick, the president of the American Waldensian Society.
Shortly after the election of Jorge Bergoglio as the new pope in 2013, I had a conversation with my friend Dennis Smith who at the time was serving as the PCUSA regional facilitator for South America. Bergoglio had served as a Roman Catholic priest and later as a bishop and as a cardinal from Argentina before becoming Pope Francis, and Dennis had first-hand knowledge of his spiritual leadership and character. Dennis told me, “Keep an eye on this man, he is the real deal.”
Since then, I have followed the career of Pope Francis with much interest. Early on he opened doors of dialogue and ecumenism with the Church of England and the Episcopal Church. He also did the same with the Lutherans. And so, in June of 2015, when I learned that the Pope and the Waldensians were to meet at the Waldensian church in Turin, Italy, to worship together, I put the event on my calendar. Remotely, from my church office, I watched the service with eager anticipation. Knowing the 850-year history of persecution and suffering of the Waldensians orchestrated by the Roman Church, the mere fact that this meeting occurred was itself historic. No pope had ever formally acknowledged the injustices and persecution perpetrated by the Roman Catholic Church against the Waldensians. Condemning the Waldensians as heretics and enemies of the Catholic Church since their inception, there had never been any acknowledgement of the Waldensians as a Christian community, much less a joint worship service led by both Roman Catholics and Waldensians. But on June 22, 2015, at a joint service led by Waldensian Moderator Eugenio Bernardini and Pope Francis, the pope stated, “Reflecting on the story of our relations, we cannot but grieve the violence committed in the name of our faith, and we ask the Lord to give us the grace to recognize all sins and to know to ask forgiveness between each other . . . On behalf of the Catholic Church, I ask forgiveness for the unchristian and even inhumane positions and actions taken against you [Waldensians] historically. In the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, forgive us.”
The service moved me deeply and I was in awe of the historic and ecclesial significance of the event. After 850 years, a pope had called for a new era of fraternity and Christian service between Roman Catholics and Waldensians. But, under Francis’ leadership, this spirit of harmony and dialogue was not limited to relationships between Christian communities. Pope Francis also engaged in interfaith dialogue with Jews and Muslims and recognized the sacred traditions of those religions. Pope Francis called for harmony and respect between the major faiths of the world. In all things, Pope Francis was guided by a spirit of humility and kindness.
Gathering scientists and theologians, Pope Francis authorized an encyclical on climate change. This encyclical addressed the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable populations of the poorest nations of the world and laid out a moral imperative for rich nations and corporations to act immediately and responsibly to reverse climate change. In doing so, Pope Francis joined with the vast majority of environmental scientists who have called for nations, corporations, and ordinary people to actively engage in radical care for the earth and its ecosystems.
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges to his leadership as Pope was how to address clergy sexual misconduct. As he investigated charges against Latin American clergy, Pope Francis was assured by a bishop in Chile that the charges against Chilean priests were false. Pope Francis initially sided with the church leadership against victims and their family members. But after massive public outcry and upon further investigation, Pope Francis acknowledged his mistake and ordered for the removal of the Chilean bishop.
As a student of history, I have long recognized the fallibility of great leaders. Pope Francis’ humility in publicly admitting his error was the mark of true spiritual and moral leadership based on humility in Christ.
Pope Francis embodied the teaching of Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” By all early accounts, his successor, Pope Leo XIV, will continue in the same vein of justice, kindness, and humility. Thanks be to God.
The Reverend Dr. Kevin Frederick, who wrote this tribute, was the pastor of the Valdese Presbyterian Church in Valdese, North Carolina, from 2007 to 2021.