Requiescat in pace.
That is the Latin phrase abbreviated as R.I.P. on so many memorials. The common English use “rest in peace” does not do it justice.
“Rest in peace” is a direction or an order. A more accurate translation is “May he rest in peace.” The simple addition of the word “may” turns a statement into a prayer. It begs rest for someone whose work has come to an end.
On Monday, the life’s work of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church ended when Pope Francis died a day after celebrating Easter.
After more than a month in the hospital, the pope had emerged to give his traditional Easter blessing. It was his duty and one of the most visible demonstrations of his role as head of the largest Christian denomination in the world. From the first words — “Christ is risen, alleluia” — he gave voice to his faith.
But the role of the pope has always been about more than religion. It has, for centuries, been about leadership in the government of the world. While some countries have a theocracy led by a religious figure, the papacy is different. The pope is a faith leader who is, by his office, also the head of the world’s smallest independent nation — Vatican City.
Pope Francis was a humble and thoughtful man picked to lead the church at a time of crisis. The clergy abuse scandals of Pennsylvania, Boston and other American dioceses were not alone. It was a global problem that required global address. Francis tried, although he sometimes stumbled.
But perhaps his greatest work was to speak to issues that affected every country. He was a voice for the poor. He was a voice for the oppressed. He was a voice for those whose countries were torn apart by violence. And Francis did not just speak on behalf of Catholics. He also spoke to the powerful with humility and authority on behalf of everyone.
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others,” Francis said in his Easter address.
“I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development. These are the weapons of peace: weapons that build the future, instead of sowing seeds of death!”
There will be another pope named by a conclave of cardinals. The next pope will take up the miter and the crook and lead the faithful in the way 266 others have done over the history of the church.
But leaders all over the world — of large nations and small communities — would do well to remember the words of Pope Francis, may he rest in peace.