The Legacy of Pope Francis: A Tribute from Patti Smith
Known as the rock icon of the Seventies and beyond, Patti Smith shares her deep admiration for Pope Francis, whom she had the privilege of meeting on several occasions. In the wake of his passing, she penned a heartfelt poem and reflected on his memory in an interview with Vatican News.
Written by Fabio Colagrande and Eugenio Murrali
Patti Smith, born in 1946, expressed her profound appreciation for Pope Francis, referring to him as a dandelion – humble yet strong. Upon hearing of his death, the American singer-songwriter composed a short poem in his honor, celebrating his gentle, open, and steadfast sense of humanity.
In a post on her social media, she wrote:
“Last night, before falling asleep, I reflected on the past twelve years with Pope Francis. Although I am not Catholic, I was drawn to his gentle, open, and steadfast sense of humanity. I felt safer knowing he was among us, doing his best to follow and preach the teachings of Christ. It is fitting that his final words to the public were strongly centered on peace. May he ascend to a loving place, visited by the doves of the air.”
Smith traveled to Rome in 2013 to meet Pope Francis and performed for him at the Vatican in 2014. She now mourns his passing with genuine sorrow.
“Wake up everyone, the time has come / to repair, to heal our common home / to give thanks, to sow seeds / to reach out to those in need / when the soul yearns for love / it comes from above / mercy, hope, humility / these are the words to live by every day”
These lyrics are from “These Are The Words,” a song co-written by Smith and Tony Shanahan for Wim Wenders’ documentary “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word.”
Speaking to Vatican News over the phone from Japan, Patti Smith expressed her gratitude for the time Pope Francis spent with us. Despite the sadness of his passing, she remains hopeful that his legacy will continue to inspire goodness in the world.
Connecting Heart to Heart with Pope Francis
Patti Smith:
I felt a deep connection with Pope Francis that resonated with my heart. He emphasized the importance of praying and listening from the heart, rather than reciting words mechanically. His message of love and compassion touched me profoundly, and I believe in feeling him from the heart to truly understand his teachings.
Carrying Forward the Message of Peace
Patti Smith:
In these troubled times filled with greed and power struggles, it is crucial for individuals to practice kindness, compassion, and empathy towards one another. Pope Francis taught us to be good, to share, and to show mercy. By radiating love and kindness, we can combat the forces of greed and power that threaten peace.
Remembering Pope Francis’s Love for Children
Patti Smith:
One striking aspect of Pope Francis was his love for children. Despite being surrounded by lavish gifts and wealthy individuals, he always gravitated towards the innocence and joy of children. His simplicity and genuine love for humanity comforted me and inspired hope.
Embracing Pope Francis’s Words of Love and Compassion
Patti Smith:
The words associated with Pope Francis – mercy, humility, humanity, charity, hope, love, and compassion – resonate deeply in our hearts. His empathy towards others, feeling their joy and sorrow, is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. As we mourn his passing, we must embody his teachings of love and humility to create a more compassionate world.
In Closing
Patti Smith:
As we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, we must hold onto his words of love, humility, and compassion. His legacy will continue to guide us towards a brighter future. Let us cherish his teachings and strive to emulate his example of kindness and empathy in our daily lives.
