From the Copy Desk: Be more like Pope Francis

The world lost its shining example of humility, kindness and understanding during the early hours of Monday morning. Pope Francis, a figure with many historic firsts as the sovereign leader of the Vatican, died just hours after calling for an end to the mistreatment of immigrants and preaching for a ceasefire in Gaza on Easter Sunday. 

Up until the end of his life, Francis led the charge for a common understanding of what Christianity can be. Instead of focusing on upholding traditional moral standards, he used his papal influence to push for respect of LGBTQIA+ people, an end to poverty and dialogue between religions. Francis was known not for populist appeals and anger-stoking sermons, but instead for promoting what he believed to be the base Christian value of empathy.