Facing the Devil in His Final Hours
A Reflection on Power, Legacy, and Unfinished Truths
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday—a day symbolic of resurrection and hope. But for many of us, the feelings are more complicated.
His passing marks the end of a papacy that, while progressive in tone, still carries the heavy shadows of a Church deeply entwined with colonialism, abuse, and generational trauma.
I’m not a fan of Catholicism. In fact, I’ve spent years stepping away from the institution and all the damage it’s done—especially here in so-called Canada. The legacy of the Residential Schools haunts us. Survivors and families are still fighting for truth, justice, and healing. And let’s be real: while Pope Francis did apologize and call it a genocide, it took far too long.
Still, he was different.
Francis stood apart in key ways. He spoke openly about inequality, climate change, and the rights of the poor. He softened the Church’s tone on LGBTQ+ issues and took stands that infuriated the far right. He tried to shift the Church’s focus from power and doctrine to mercy and care. And for that, many—inside and outside the Church—respected him.
Which makes what happened in his final hours all the more disturbing.
Just before his death, Pope Francis met with J.D. Vance—U.S. Vice President, a figure whose politics embody cruelty, nationalism, and the very ideologies the Pope spent years warning us about. Why was he granted a private audience at the end? Why was the last global leader Francis met someone who has vilified migrants, fanned hate, and pushed policies that hurt the vulnerable?
It feels like Francis, in his frailty, had to face the very forces he fought against—maybe even a final symbolic confrontation with everything he stood for. And I can’t help but wonder if it stole his last bit of strength.
Let’s be honest: the Church still owes us more than apologies. It owes truth, reparations, and a complete reckoning. Francis made some steps toward that—but the institution remains broken. And now, without him, what direction will it take?
His death doesn’t absolve the Church. But it does mark the end of a rare moment when someone inside tried to steer it toward justice, even while carrying centuries of guilt.
Rest in peace, Francis. May the next chapter bring more courage, more truth, and real change. We’re still watching.
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#PopeFrancis #CatholicChurch #ResidentialSchools #TruthAndReconciliation #JDVance #PoliticsAndFaith #ChurchReform #Legacy #Colonialism #Reflections #EasterMonday #ZipolitaWrites
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