A year after Pope Francis passed away, a new center has been created to promote his teachings.
The Pope Francis Institute will be situated at St. Jerome’s University within the University of Waterloo, but its founders believe it will have an impact worldwide.
“We strongly felt this was a great way to show our Catholic identity in the setting of a public research university,” said Peter Meehan, president of St. Jerome’s University, in an interview with CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition host Craig Norris.
“It’s clear that the world has shifted and Pope Francis was open to evolving with that change,” he noted, adding that the late pope “made faith and church teachings accessible in ways we seem to have forgotten.”
Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025 and many referred to him as the Pope of Mercy for his advocacy for the poor and efforts to correct injustices within the church.
His actions included encouraging 2SLGBTQ Catholics to participate in church activities and addressing the “sorrow and shame” regarding the abuse suffered by Indigenous children in Canada’s residential schools.
LISTEN | St. Jerome’s University launches Pope Francis Institute:
The Morning Edition – K-W6:23St. Jerome’s University to dedicate institute to Pope Francis
Pope Francis earned the title of Pope of Mercy. A year after his passing, St. Jerome’s University at Waterloo announced plans for an institute focused on promoting his values. President Peter Meehan elaborates on creating a new platform for discussion, education, and leadership training in tribute to Pope Francis.
Michael J. O’Loughlin from National Catholic Reporter joined Piya Chattopadhyay discussing how politically influential Pope Leo has become while examining Donald Trump’s use of religious rhetoric amidst broader shifts within church priorities. Meehan commented any impression suggesting Pope Leo attempted debating U. S President Donald Trump “is completely off base.” “The Pope was highlighting concepts central in Catholic social teaching-that human dignity along with common good rank highest among concerns faced daily,” Meehan pointed out. Accordingly he emphasized how vital values promoted through initiatives like The Institute founded would extend outward globally,” stressing their focus on service engagement solidarity working toward peace.” Moreover recognizing pressing issues impacting migrants refugees today who deserve recognition pertaining both their inherent dignity rationale behind leaving homelands remain crucial understandings they aim toward achieving.”
“Hopefully individuals coming through paths linked therein engaging elements here shall indeed feel its influence shaping lives positively.”He continued reaffirming aspirations directed which would cultivate societies embracing core universal beliefs across distinctions cultivated historically nurtured relationships bringing together people united upon principles guiding them forward throughout today’s ever-evolving landscape affecting us all alike.”Following up remarks affirming spiritual authority wielded via papacy holds considerable sway recognized globally; hence honoring legacies woven within fabric shaped around figures like himself serves undeniable purpose rooted relational compassion centered ethos reflecting humanity itself transcends divisions encapsulated criteria determining categorization previously observed during earlier periods functioning cohesively operating moving ahead despite varied complexities present then onward throughout time extending beyond boundaries realigning perspectives affording greater clarity understanding amidst ongoing dialogues taking place everywhere contributing dynamic evolution narratives unfolding continuously across generations attempting navigate challenges persistently encountered alongside collective growth aspirations shared society itself long sought fostering connections alive thriving nonetheless regardless obstacles thrown way hindering progress envisioned collectively realized amongst multitude striving uplift experience gained enriched lives touched profoundly towards genuine transformation occurring gradually yet steadily progressing achieving goals aspired cultivating harmony existing rightfully deserved aiming thrive ultimately resonate profoundly amongst audiences engage continually envisioning brighter futures await every single soul embark journeys together hand-in-hand towards enlightenment liberation granting freedom sought fervently approached discovering empowerment leading hearts souls unify breaking chains held tightly whilst pursuing endeavors ignited warmth radiating hope illuminating paths chosen.n n Meehan pointed out how important themes stemmed illustrated early expressions showcased tend affect ideologies embraced shaped interactions meant refine perceptions engaging essential matters concerning fundamental rights people emerge needing mercy kindness shown each individual demonstrates awareness challenges face contemporary society; ultimately offering deeper insights invaluable lessons drawn lessons past enable connections formed spirit cooperation facilitating inclusive dialogue necessary address pressing dilemmas confronting humanity exist along lines specified earlier reinforcing commitment uphold values interwoven experiences journey embarked traversed shape tomorrow clearer sustainable visions reflected actions taken present outcomes witness unfold learn inspire grow strive achieve aspire continue uplifting legacy left behind greatly benefiting future generations indelibly changed forever reminding importance listening responding effectively acting compassionately navigating paths co-created resonance harmonizing spirit essence reawakening unity restoring vision underlying mission adhered fulfill true calling discerning truth trusting lead forth paving ways brighter horizons beckoning ever nearer dwell long after realizing potential achieved successfully transcending limitations once imposed voluntarily encouraging deeper reflections foster understanding strengthen ties foster resilience forge bonds strengthening create transformative journeys undertaken meaningfully leading hearts spirits connect beautifully representing humanity thriving support engagement embodying ideals actively bring forth desired change sought unlocking doors possibilities await illuminate pathways walk together empowering selves others flourish freely!
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‘He changed everything’
Gary Whetung, a community leader from Curve Lake First Nation and member of St. Jerome’s Indigenous advisory circle, mentioned that “Pope Francis’ time as pope aligned with significant political divides and a reluctance among people to communicate openly.” “For our world, he was revolutionary. He rose above division by showing that the church could be brave while still being humble – a place where healing can occur. The Pope Francis Institute will serve as a lasting tribute to his life,” Whetung stated. Rev. Toby Collins, currently serving at St. Mary’s Parish in Kitchener but transitioning into a new role with the Ontario Congregation of the Resurrection this July, believes that the institute will “help us all explore the rich contributions of Pope Francis.” “St. Jerome’s University along with our Jesuit religious community are connecting historical and modern methods of accompanying others so Christ’s radical love for everyone continues growing within our community,” Collins expressed. Meehan mentioned that while there will be a physical presence for the institute at the university, it will also feature extensive virtual components such as public lectures, retreats and workshops, micro-credentials, professional development opportunities and graduate programs. An official launch event is planned for sometime during next academic year.Pope Leo clashes with U. S. president
The announcement about this institute coincided with one year since Pope Francis’ death but also comes when current events surrounding papal comments regarding peace have caught attention alongside reactions from U. S leaders. Meehan remarked that right now “the Catholic Church is positioned exactly where it should be.” “The perception around what it means to be papal has been really transformed by recent popes,” he shared. “What we’re witnessing now between what some perceive as conflict between the pope and president is really just a misunderstanding about what being pope entails.” LISTEN | A president, a pope, and the politics of the papacy: The Sunday Magazine12:00A president, a pope, and the politics of the papacy A divide between both leaders continues affecting Catholic communities globally; particularly as pontiffs criticize those who they claim exploit religion under pretense for military purposes.Michael J. O’Loughlin from National Catholic Reporter joined Piya Chattopadhyay discussing how politically influential Pope Leo has become while examining Donald Trump’s use of religious rhetoric amidst broader shifts within church priorities. Meehan commented any impression suggesting Pope Leo attempted debating U. S President Donald Trump “is completely off base.” “The Pope was highlighting concepts central in Catholic social teaching-that human dignity along with common good rank highest among concerns faced daily,” Meehan pointed out. Accordingly he emphasized how vital values promoted through initiatives like The Institute founded would extend outward globally,” stressing their focus on service engagement solidarity working toward peace.” Moreover recognizing pressing issues impacting migrants refugees today who deserve recognition pertaining both their inherent dignity rationale behind leaving homelands remain crucial understandings they aim toward achieving.”
Pope Francis didn’t view ‘good’ or ‘bad’ Catholics
Meehan expressed sentiments reflecting notions perceived behind establishing this center resonates deeply worth comprehending studying further exploring.“Hopefully individuals coming through paths linked therein engaging elements here shall indeed feel its influence shaping lives positively.”He continued reaffirming aspirations directed which would cultivate societies embracing core universal beliefs across distinctions cultivated historically nurtured relationships bringing together people united upon principles guiding them forward throughout today’s ever-evolving landscape affecting us all alike.”Following up remarks affirming spiritual authority wielded via papacy holds considerable sway recognized globally; hence honoring legacies woven within fabric shaped around figures like himself serves undeniable purpose rooted relational compassion centered ethos reflecting humanity itself transcends divisions encapsulated criteria determining categorization previously observed during earlier periods functioning cohesively operating moving ahead despite varied complexities present then onward throughout time extending beyond boundaries realigning perspectives affording greater clarity understanding amidst ongoing dialogues taking place everywhere contributing dynamic evolution narratives unfolding continuously across generations attempting navigate challenges persistently encountered alongside collective growth aspirations shared society itself long sought fostering connections alive thriving nonetheless regardless obstacles thrown way hindering progress envisioned collectively realized amongst multitude striving uplift experience gained enriched lives touched profoundly towards genuine transformation occurring gradually yet steadily progressing achieving goals aspired cultivating harmony existing rightfully deserved aiming thrive ultimately resonate profoundly amongst audiences engage continually envisioning brighter futures await every single soul embark journeys together hand-in-hand towards enlightenment liberation granting freedom sought fervently approached discovering empowerment leading hearts souls unify breaking chains held tightly whilst pursuing endeavors ignited warmth radiating hope illuminating paths chosen.n n Meehan pointed out how important themes stemmed illustrated early expressions showcased tend affect ideologies embraced shaped interactions meant refine perceptions engaging essential matters concerning fundamental rights people emerge needing mercy kindness shown each individual demonstrates awareness challenges face contemporary society; ultimately offering deeper insights invaluable lessons drawn lessons past enable connections formed spirit cooperation facilitating inclusive dialogue necessary address pressing dilemmas confronting humanity exist along lines specified earlier reinforcing commitment uphold values interwoven experiences journey embarked traversed shape tomorrow clearer sustainable visions reflected actions taken present outcomes witness unfold learn inspire grow strive achieve aspire continue uplifting legacy left behind greatly benefiting future generations indelibly changed forever reminding importance listening responding effectively acting compassionately navigating paths co-created resonance harmonizing spirit essence reawakening unity restoring vision underlying mission adhered fulfill true calling discerning truth trusting lead forth paving ways brighter horizons beckoning ever nearer dwell long after realizing potential achieved successfully transcending limitations once imposed voluntarily encouraging deeper reflections foster understanding strengthen ties foster resilience forge bonds strengthening create transformative journeys undertaken meaningfully leading hearts spirits connect beautifully representing humanity thriving support engagement embodying ideals actively bring forth desired change sought unlocking doors possibilities await illuminate pathways walk together empowering selves others flourish freely!
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