Throughout the world people are honoring the life of Pope Francis who was both a spiritual and political leader. He called on all of us to make it a priority to protect the environment, provide justice for all, especially the poor and marginalized, and to work for peace. In our country flags flew at half-mast in his honor. But to truly honor Pope Francis, it is not enough to lower our flags, light candles, and bow our heads. May we all reflect on and be guided in our actions by the Pope’s words and deeds.

Here is just one quote from Pope Francis on the environment: “The problem is urgent. Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years. We must all change our day-to-day actions to live more sustainably. Reducing greenhouse gases requires honesty, courage and responsibility. On a larger scale, our leaders must be held to account. Those who will have to suffer the consequences … will not forget this failure of conscience and responsibility.”

Contact your representatives, senators and the president. Ask each of them to reflect on the life and leadership of Pope Francis and to recommit themselves to act with moral integrity and let the Pope’s teachings guide their negotiations, policies, and votes. Urge them to build bridges, not walls, and work with humility and compassion for peace, justice and the environment here in our country and around the world.

Lois Barber

Amherst