3 Life-Changing Spiritual Lessons from Pope Francis: Humility, Love, and Joy

I’m writing this article exactly one week after Pope Francis died. We are all mourning, giving thanks for the gift of his impactful life, and praying for the eternal repose of his soul. I have lived during the reign of five popes, but I only have memories of Saint Pope John II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. All contributed immensely and in very different ways. Pope Francis taught us about the quiet power of humility, selfless love, and radiant joy through words and how he lived his life. As we mourn, let’s also reflect on his life since he has given us lessons to help us in our journey to holiness. 

The Pope’s Role in Catholic Spirituality

The Catholic Church is a massive institution with 1.4 billion members. We can’t see the pope as only an administrative leader of a complex organization, like a business CEO. He is that, but he is also a spiritual father. The word “pope” comes from the Greek “pappas,” meaning father. He is a spiritual father for everyone in the world. He loved and worked to alleviate the suffering of all people. 

The pope is the Successor of St. Peter, entrusted by Christ himself to "feed my sheep" (John 21:17). According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "The Pope, Bishop of Rome and Peter's successor, is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and the whole company of the faithful." (CCC §882).

His mission is to guard the deposit of faith, to foster unity, and to lead the Church closer to Christ. Pope Francis embraced this call with extraordinary simplicity and compassion.

Lesson 1: Humility as the Foundation of Holiness

I remember that spring night twelve years ago, intently watching TV after they declared "Habemus Papam," “We have a pope”! He was the first pope to choose the name Francis in honor of a humble saint and servant of God. I could not believe it when, instead of blessing the massive audience in St Peter’s Square as customary, he bowed low and said, “Pray for me.” I knew right there and then he was going to be a special shepherd. 

Instead of living in the large and luxurious apostolic palace, he chose to live in Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse for clergy visiting the Vatican. That form of living aligned with his vow of poverty as a Jesuit priest and his desire to be “with the people.” When he was a bishop in Buenos Aires, he would skip the privilege of using a chauffeur and instead would take the bus. Even his shoes were very simple and practical. He always bought them from the same cobbler’s store in Buenos Aires, where he purchased his first pair as a priest in his 20s.

His humility was not mere symbolism. When visiting a prison on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis knelt to wash and kiss the feet of inmates, including women and Muslims—an act of profound humility that shocked the world and embodied Christ’s call: "The greatest among you must be your servant" (Matthew 23:11).

In a culture that prizes status and power, Pope Francis reminded us that holiness grows in humility - in smallness, hiddenness, and in service to others without seeking acclaim.

Lesson 2: Love for the Most Marginalized

Following the example of Jesus, Pope Francis loved “the least among you.” He showed such intense love for the poor, the refugee, the migrant, and the forgotten.  His first papal trip was not to a significant capital but to Lampedusa, an Italian island overwhelmed by migrants, many of whom drowned attempting to cross the Mediterranean. Standing before a makeshift altar made from boat wreckage, Francis cried out:

"The culture of comfort... makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the cries of other people." (Homily, Lampedusa, 2013)

He consistently called the Church to be a "field hospital" rather than a fortress, urging Catholics to go to the peripheries where human suffering is most acute (Evangelii Gaudium, §49). Francis personally called refugees, visited slums in Brazil’s favelas, and created the Vatican's Section for Migrants and Refugees, which he directed for several years—a rare move for a pope. He would call a church in Gaza several times weekly to comfort them. 

His actions, like those of so many saints in history, mirrored the words of Christ: "Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

Pope Francis taught that loving Christ means loving those whom the world forgets. He loved the invisible ones. 

Lesson 3: The Joy of the Gospel

Despite carrying the heavy burdens of the papacy, Pope Francis radiated a deep, contagious joy. I have many memories of his playful attitude with children and grown-ups alike. He laughed hard and shared his infectious joy for life and Christ. His first major document, Evangelii Gaudium ("The Joy of the Gospel"), opened with these powerful words:

"The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus." (Evangelii Gaudium, §1)

Francis loved simple things: a good laugh, children playing, and even sneaking out of the Vatican to buy ice cream or a music record. He always had a disarming sense of humor.

Even in moments of suffering, his face showed a serenity grounded in the profound hope of the Resurrection. He reminded us that Christian joy is not a naive denial of suffering but a defiant proclamation that Christ has conquered death, and we suffer with him. Our eyes are focused on heaven's beatific vision, and we always live in joy. 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Joy, Pope Francis taught, is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a hallmark of holiness.

Carrying Forward His Spiritual Legacy

As we mourn the death of Pope Francis, we are invited not merely to grieve, but to live more deeply the lessons he taught us:

• Humility is the soil in which holiness grows. Let’s examine our lives and identify ways that pride and greed may tempt us away from Jesus’ example. 
• Selfless love for the least and forgotten. What can we do today, this week, and this month for the least among us, especially refugees and immigrants? 
• Joy is the radiant sign of a life anchored in Christ. Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to overwhelm our souls with such spiritual joy that we have no other action but to share it with everyone we encounter. 

 Let us pray for the grace to follow his example. May we, too, become humble servants, merciful neighbors, and joyful witnesses to the world.

Closing Prayer:
"Lord Jesus, through the example of Pope Francis, you have shown us the path of humility, selfless love, and joy. Grant us the grace to follow in his footsteps, to live more like you each day, and to bring your light to the world. Amen."