Father Guy Gilbert, affectionately known as "the curé of the Loubards," fondly recalls his memorable encounter with Pope Francis in 2015, a meeting that marked the celebration of his 50 years in the priesthood. Nearly ten years ago, at the age of 79, Gilbert received a prestigious invitation from the Vatican, asking him to spend a few days at the Pope's residence to commemorate this significant milestone.
"Listen," Gilbert recounts with his characteristic frankness from his home in Faucon, located in the south of France. "Eight days before my 80th birthday, I received a fax from the Vatican saying that the Pope invited me to live in his apartment at Sainte-Marthe. I had three wonderful days with the Pope." The octogenarian priest reminisces about the experience as being filled with positive moments, describing how he saw the Pope choose his bread in front of everyone, an act that he found extraordinary. "I witnessed the first Pope who actually eats. No gilding, no fuss; it was extraordinary. I had a marvelous time," he said.
During this three-day visit, Gilbert not only celebrated mass alongside Pope Francis but also shared one of his books with him. Reflecting on the encounter, he expressed uncertainty about whether the Pope had read it, but noted, "It was extraordinary. He had a radiant face. He looked at my pins—the jacket I always wear—and he observed it with joy." This moment encapsulated the warmth and humility that Gilbert attributes to Pope Francis.
Gilbert sees a reflection of himself in Pope Francis, noting, "He was a street priest and has kept that spirit as an archbishop. I find that truly extraordinary." Gilbert has also had the opportunity to meet former Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II, but he emphasizes that his experience with Francis was unique.
Describing Pope Francis, Gilbert uses words like "simplicity" and "wonderful" to characterize the pontiff's approach to life and leadership. He hopes that the next Pope will follow in Francis's footsteps, especially in terms of compassion and outreach to the less fortunate. "He is an extraordinary person in terms of simplicity and life. To reach out to people, he was wonderful. The gift towards others is extraordinary," Gilbert said.
As he reflects on the future of the papacy, Gilbert expresses hope that the new pontiff will continue to prioritize the needs of the impoverished and advocate for climate change and environmental issues. "I hope he will be like Francis was," he said, emphasizing the importance of these causes.
In a candid conversation about women's roles in the Church, Gilbert noted that while Pope Francis attempted some reforms, he fell short in fully addressing women's inclusion. "Ah, it's the women," he remarked. "At the last minute, he stopped at the level of women. But he had made progress toward them becoming deacons. That was extraordinary. He left it hanging before he died." Gilbert hopes that the new Pope will continue to push for women's roles within the Church, including the possibility of women becoming deacons.
As the conversation drew to a close, Gilbert was asked about the potential for women to rise to the rank of cardinal and perhaps even Pope in the future. "Maybe. Maybe," he replied, leaving the door open to the possibility of change.
Gilbert's reflections on his time with Pope Francis and his hopes for the future of the papacy highlight a deep yearning for a Church that remains rooted in compassion, humility, and inclusivity. As the world watches the next steps of the Catholic Church, Gilbert's voice serves as a reminder of the values that many hope will guide its leaders.
