Remember the letter that Pope Francis sent Lula during his political persecution

Argentine pontiff, who marked his papacy for empathy and firm positions in defense of the poor, had a close relationship with Lula and supported him in difficult times

Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church and the first Jesuit and South American pontiff in history, died on Monday (21) at the age of 88 at the Vatican. The announcement was made on video by Cardinal Kevin Farrell: “Dear brothers and sisters, with deep sadness I must announce the death of our holy Father Francis.” The leader passed away at 7:35 am, at his residence at Casa Santa Marta. He had been fighting a number of breathing problems since February, including pneumonia in both lungs, chronic bronchitis and various infections. After 38 days of hospitalization at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital, he had returned to the Vatican, where he died. His burial will be held at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maior in Rome.

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Letters to Lula: solidarity, faith and politics as charity

Amid his pastoral performance centered on social justice and reception, Francisco maintained a relationship of affection and respect with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. During the period when the president faced political persecution and prison, the Pope expressed support through moving correspondence.

After Lula sent a letter to the Pontiff in March 2019, Francisco replied in a letter dated May 3 of that year. In it, it demonstrated solidarity with the president’s family losses:

“I want […] Encouraging you asking not to be discouraged and continuing to trust God, ”Francis wrote at the end of the message.

It was not the Pope’s first manifestation in this regard. In August 2018, he had already sent another letter to Lula, accompanied by a rosary and a dedication in the book “The Truth Win”, written from interviews with the president and released earlier that year. The gifts were delivered through Chancellor Celso Amorim.

In May’s letter, Francisco also reflected on the role of politics with words that echoed among the defenders of democracy:

“I am convinced that politics can become an eminent form of charity, if implemented in the fundamental respect for life, freedom and dignity of people.”

A Pope of Change and Empathy

Elected in 2013, after the resignation of Bento XVI, Francisco broke paradigms: he was the first Jesuit Pope, the first of the southern hemisphere and the first non -European in almost 1,300 years. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, led the church focused on the inclusion of marginalized, environmental defense and renewal of ecclesial structures.

In his papacy, he faced crises and resistance, but kept his view of an open, humble, and engaged church with contemporary social dramas.

With his death, the world loses a spiritual leader who combined courage and compassion. And Lula loses an interlocutor and friend who, even at a distance, reached out at the darker moments.