Empathy and interculturality: Father Narh about the Pope and the Steyler Mission

Empathy and interculturality: Father Narh about the Pope and the Steyler Mission

to the death of the Pope Francis was an empathic person

Pope Francis is reminded of many as an empathetic leader of the Catholic Church, whose open nature and its constant efforts to integrate people stand out in his years in office. Father Peter Claver Kwame Narh, who met Francis twice, describes the Pope's personality as warm and courteous. In personal encounters during the general chapters of the Steyler missionaries 2018 and 2024, Narh particularly caught the calm and smile of the Pope. Despite the high demands of his role, Franziskus always found time to personally shake hands with the delegates and to show their interest in their concerns.

The values ​​of Francis reflect in his attitude towards marginalized groups. He showed particular interest in the work of the Steyler missionaries who are committed to the concerns of people on the sidelines of society. Through his support and understanding of these concerns, he was able to reinforce the Steyler missionaries' commitment and show them the importance of their mission.

a pastoral understanding of the church

compared to his predecessor Benedict XVI. Francis was often perceived as a pastoral figure that comes closer to people and their needs. His reforms and initiatives, such as the synodal way, aim to include laypersons, priests and women alike in the church process. This opening and the pursuit of inclusiveness has given many believers and should serve as a yardstick for his successor.

The legacy that Francis leaves will continue to be relevant in the time of his successor. Many people have questions to the church and expect the new leadership to take these needs seriously and reactively react to it. A future Pope will have to recognize the signs of the times and to act to strengthen the community and continue the church mandate.

Father Peter Claver Kwame Narh, the first provincial of the Steyler missionaries in Germany, which does not come from Germany, brings together over 230 brothers from 17 nations with his intercultural history and experience. This shows how important intercultural exchange and diversity are for the church, which is also of great importance for the legacy of Pope Francis. His approach to combining people could be decisive for the future orientation of the church.