It is undeniable that Pope Francis' impact has been felt throughout the world, as he garnered tens, if not hundreds, of millions of followers to (or back to) the Catholic faith. Pope Francis delivered thought-provoking messages that stimulated vigorous discussion and ultimately touched the hearts of many: Catholics, and non-Catholics, alike.
Pope Francis touched my own heart. While in Rome, attending the first Mensuram Bonam Conference, I was blessed to attend the closing Mass of the 2023 Synod which was celebrated by His Holiness. Until then, I had never seen Pope Francis in-person. I was struck by his amazingly gentle tone of voice, especially during the Homily. There was a peace to him that caught me off guard, one that videos or photos just can't convey. This revelation drew me in, and it impressed upon me a desire to understand him better by reading his own words, in their own entirety and context.
In May 2024, I had the good fortune to be in Vatican City during Pope Francis' First Annual World Children's Day. Pope Francis' energy for that occasion was palpable and infectious, with tens of thousands of children and their families, representatives from countries all over the world, packing into and spilling out of St. Peter's Square. Pope Francis captivated us all. He seemed in his complete element, as he realized his vision of the incredible undertaking of the assembly. The crowd reflected his joy as their collective appreciation and affection for him was emotionally overwhelming, really. This experience emblazoned upon my heart the promise of an expanding church. The lyrical chant of "Papa Francesco" rings through my mind anew today as I ponder Pope Francis' legacy and imprimatur on our Holy Church. This amateur video of mine cannot do the experience justice, but it was quite a moment to witness and behold.
He made his mark. He touched the hearts of millions. He leaves a strong church. And, he really made us think about what it truly means to be Catholic.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
May His Holiness Pope Francis be welcomed into the gates of Heaven, and may we take this important time to remember all of our Popes and Prelates who have offered and given their lives in service to the Faith.
This piece reflects personal reflections and does not represent the views, opinions, or positions of Index Fund Advisors, or its affiliates. It is not intended as investment advice, nor should it be construed as reflective of our investment philosophy or financial guidance. The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and are not an endorsement of any religious or organizational institution. Any references to events or individuals are personal observations and do not imply any affiliations or relationships with Investing for Catholics. Details and events described herein are based on the author's personal experiences and understanding and may not fully reflect the entirety of circumstances or perspectives. As always, Investing for Catholics encourages clients to consult with their designated adviser for professional advice tailored to their individual financial needs.
About the Author
Mary Brunson - Vice President, Wealth Advisor Investing for Catholics
Mary Brunson is the Co-founder of Investing for Catholics (IFC), a division of Index Fund Advisors, Inc. (IFA). Since 2009, she has focused her advisory efforts on Catholic faith-consistent investing, applying financial science to support fiduciary advice and institutional wealth services aligned with Catholic values. She works closely with religious orders and Catholic organizations—including diocesan plans, endowments, and foundations—as well as public trusts, pension plans, and individuals.
