In a poignant farewell, the world gathered to honor Pope Francis at his funeral in Rome, an event that resonated deeply with many, including Michele Emiliano, the governor of Puglia. "The day of farewell will remain in everyone's heart," Emiliano reflected shortly after the ceremony. He emphasized that for Italians, the story of Pope Francis began on March 13, 2013, with the memorable sight of white smoke emerging from the Conclave, signaling the election of the first pope from the Americas. "I vividly remember those hours of waiting, the strong emotions we all felt as we heard his first words, 'Buonasera,' from the balcony of St. Peter's," he shared with the Gazzetta.
Emiliano stood among notable figures, including former Prime Ministers Mario Draghi, Paolo Gentiloni, and Matteo Renzi, representing the Conference of Regions, where he serves as vice president. "I wanted to be there to thank him and pay my respects," he said, acknowledging the profound impact Pope Francis had on countless lives. He noted that funerals serve as both moments of reflection and opportunities to explore the complexities of society. "In a historic day, we also see the limits of all. I struggled to focus on the memory of his voice and the hopes I had placed in him," he added.
During the ceremony, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a moving homily that highlighted the mission of Pope Francis, recalling significant moments such as the pontiff's trip to Lampedusa and the Mass celebrated at the border between Mexico and the USA. Emiliano remarked, "The homily was magnificent. It recalled the most significant events of his papacy, including the declaration of his name, 'Francis,' which immediately disrupted all norms." He acknowledged that many found the choice to adopt the name of the revolutionary saint from Assisi controversial, but emphasized that Pope Francis lived according to his values without compromise.
Emiliano also expressed his disappointment regarding the Israeli government's decision to revoke condolences from ambassadors to the Vatican, stating, "Such a thing, Francesco did not deserve. I say this as someone who has always been close to Israel and the Palestinians. The Middle Eastern conflict is a personal drama for me." He reflected on the pope's commitment to peace in the region and the struggles he faced in being recognized for his efforts to foster dialogue between Jews and Palestinians. "When you love your children, you must tell them the truth. Listening to the truth provides a greater chance of doing the right thing," he noted, hinting at the complexities of international relations.
Emiliano reminisced about Pope Francis's special connection to Puglia, recalling the pontiff's visits to the region. "His first visit was on March 17, 2018, to San Giovanni Rotondo, which I attended with my mother, Franca. He returned on April 20, 2018, to Molfetta and Alessano for don Tonino Bello, and again on July 7, 2018, for an ecumenical meeting in Bari, followed by another visit on February 20, 2020, before the G7 in Borgo Egnazia in 2024," he detailed.
Emiliano stressed that the political realm should learn from the idealistic tension Pope Francis embodied. Like his predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the pope recognized the universal role of St. Nicholas for Eastern Churches and Russia, aiming to transcend theological divisions. He recounted an event where Pope Francis sent him to Moscow and St. Petersburg with the relics of St. Nicholas, which were received by a million people in the streets of the Russian capital. "In Moscow, Kirill honored me with the cross of the order of San Serafino, a recognition I cherish, especially for having returned the Russian church of Bari to the Moscow Patriarchate," Emiliano said, reflecting on the historical significance of the occasion.
As the conflict in Ukraine escalated, Emiliano and Cardinal Parolin attempted to employ the 'diplomacy of the bishop of Myra,' but their efforts were thwarted by the Italian and U.S. governments' unwillingness to engage. "It would have sufficed to follow the intuition of the popes to prevent many tragedies," he lamented.
In his last visit to Puglia at Borgo Egnazia, Pope Francis addressed the topic of artificial intelligence, urging people not to fear it, while cautioning against delegating the dialogue between peoples or the construction of peace to technology. Emiliano remarked, "He faced the issue of pedophilia among clergy with a commitment to transparency within the Church. I hope his successors can bear the weight he carried in this battle." He recalled the pope's famous words, "Who am I to judge?" when discussing the search for God among LGBTQ individuals, highlighting the pope's inclusive approach.
Emiliano concluded by reflecting on what he considered Pope Francis's most precious legacy: "The courage to articulate his vision and the strength to pursue it, not viewing partial failure as a defeat. This is a lesson for politics as well. The choice of hope is a cardinal point for his successor and all believers."
As the Puglia region and the world mourn the loss of Pope Francis, Emiliano's words resonate, encapsulating the profound impact the pontiff had on millions. His message of love, peace, and the pursuit of truth will undoubtedly echo in the hearts of many for years to come.
