The world is currently turning its attention to the Vatican as preparations are underway for the election of the next Pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21st. Journalists from around the globe are converging on Rome to cover this historic event, including Margarita Rojas from Noticias Caracol, who is reporting live from the heart of the Catholic Church.
A Personal Reflection on Pope Francis
Beyond the formal coverage of the papal transition, Margarita Rojas is reflecting on her own personal encounter with Pope Francis. According to Rojas, any individual who experienced a moment with Pope Francis felt his «human warmth». She recalls meeting him in April 2018, describing the encounter as a moment «perecedero para el alma, no contactos fugaces» (M. Rojas, personal communication, as cited in Noticias Caracol, 2024).
Rojas shared a photograph of the meeting on social media, expressing her gratitude for the Pope's blessing upon her family. Colleagues such as Carlos Calero, Jorge Alfredo Vargas, and Iván Lalinde responded to the post, highlighting the impact of the Pope's presence on those he met.
The Pope's Impact on the World Stage
Reflecting on Pope Francis's pontificate, Rojas highlighted his historic blessing in Saint Peter's Square on March 27, 2020, as a particularly significant moment. This event, occurring shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, provided solace and hope during a time of global crisis. The image of the Pope praying for an end to the pandemic resonated deeply with people of all faiths and backgrounds, underscoring his ability to connect with humanity on a profound level.
Pope Francis and Colombia: A Legacy of Peace and Reconciliation
Pope Francis's visit to Colombia in 2017 left an indelible mark on the nation. His message of peace and reconciliation, delivered during a period of significant social and political transition, resonated deeply with Colombians seeking to heal from decades of conflict. During his visit, the Pope addressed critical issues such as social justice and environmental protection, demonstrating his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the country.
According to Noticias Caracol (2024), prior to his arrival, Pope Francis sent a powerful message through his social networks, asking people to «pray for me and for all Colombia», adding: «I will go in search of reconciliation and peace in that country».
A Historic Visit
The Pope's visit, which took place four and a half years after the start of his pontificate, marked the third time a Pope had visited Colombia. He followed in the footsteps of Pope Paul VI in 1968 and Pope John Paul II in 1986. During his stay, Pope Francis visited the cities of Bogotá, Medellín, Villavicencio, and Cartagena, engaging with political leaders, religious communities, and ordinary citizens.
Throughout his visit, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of reconciliation and peace, particularly in the context of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC. He also spoke out on issues such as environmental protection and social justice, demonstrating his commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict and inequality. Furthermore, the Pope addressed the situation in Venezuela, praying for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis in the neighboring country.
Arrival and Reception
The papal plane arrived at the Catam military base in Bogotá on September 6, 2017, marking the beginning of a four-day journey that united much of the country in the pursuit of reconciliation. The Pope was received by then-President Juan Manuel Santos, First Lady María Clemencia Rodríguez de Santos, and Apostolic Nuncio to Colombia Ettore Balestrero (Mateo Medina Escobar, Noticias Caracol, 2024).
In conclusion, as the world is watching the Vatican during this period of transition, the legacy of Pope Francis's leadership and his personal connection with people around the world, including journalists like Margarita Rojas, remains a source of inspiration and reflection.
