In Pope Francis' very first homily he stated, "God never tires of forgiving; it is we who tire of asking for His mercy." Pope Francis spoke of a culture of encountering people. Reflecting on this, I have tried to develop a deeper understanding of the human condition and work toward being able to show mercy in difficult situations.

- David Flores, Our Lady of Peace

During a time when I was afraid to return to the Church, Pope Francis, through his daily Masses and homilies, showed me a side of Catholicism that was welcoming, compassionate, and free of judgment. His example encouraged me to trust in God again, to seek Christ not through fear, but through love. Inspired by his words, I returned to the sacraments with my family, completed the OCIA program, and began serving actively in ministry.  

- Sonia Garcia, St. Maria Goretti Parish

He made me realize we are all God's children and that we all should accept each other; that we should embrace all those that society labels as different. 

- Monica Mazul, Most Holy Trinity

Pope Francis impacted me deeply while I attended World Youth Day in Kraków, Poland, in 2016, as a junior. As the first Latin American pope, he reflected a part of my own identity, and that connection made his witness even more powerful. Pope Francis made it clear that holiness isn't reserved for the perfect, but for the willing, especially the young who dare to say yes to God.  As a young woman of faith trying to make sense of Jesus in this modern world, that encouragement was everything — it gave me the confidence to believe that my questions, my voice, and my journey mattered to God.

- Mariana Estrada, St. John Vianney, Presentation High School Alumna

The Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2015-16 and the Holy Father’s constant emphasis on mercy helped me as a preteen and teenager to see that Jesus desired a full and loving relationship with me. I had always felt like Jesus was someone I needed to appease for fear of being condemned, but Pope Francis showed me the tender face of Jesus, who looks at me with a smile and is not wagging his finger. Jesus asks me to keep getting up after I stumble and fall, never castigating me for my failures when I seek forgiveness.

- Connor Murphy, St. Christopher

I felt that most of Pope Francis’ decisions on matters of Catholic faith were based on, "What would Christ have done or said?” This has affected me in my ministry as a Deacon and in my faith, especially in very difficult personal or leadership decisions. Each time I ask myself that question, I feel confident in my decision. 

- Sylvanus Sunny Offorjebe, Saint Francis of Assisi

In Washington, DC, I had the opportunity to meet our Holy Father. I was at Catholic Charities then, and his presence radiated throughout the city. He celebrated a mass, and I remember his words, "In prayer there are no rich or poor...no first or second class, no injustice, God calls us to open our hearts to charity." His humility, compassion, care for the poor and marginalized, and call to missionary discipleship led me to a deeper belief.

- Rosio Gonzalez, St. John Vianney

Reflecting on our brief exchange with Pope Francis, I think we were fortunate to have had a meaningful (albeit brief) exchange. We were the only couple with whom Pope Francis spoke. It was a profoundly human, funny, shocking, and significant interaction. We feel so blessed to have been in his presence and received a blessing from him!

- Rosemary Hua De Aragon, San Jose Chinese Catholic Mission. Read more about Rosemary’s Newlywed Blessing here.

The emphasis on "walking together," exemplified by the recent Synod on Synodality, has deepened my appreciation of the communal nature of our faith and the sacredness of each person's voice and story. As a priest, this vision of the Church challenges me daily to be a servant leader: to listen attentively, lead with mercy and compassion, and live the Gospel joyfully. Inspired by Pope Francis' witness, I continually rediscover Christ in the faces of those I am called to serve.

- Fr. Louis Lava (Leveil) S.J., St. John Vianney

Pope Francis gave me hope as an LGBTQ+ Catholic. I really do love our Roman Catholic Church and Pope Francis reminds me that I have a seat at the table of Christ. Pope Francis is one of the reasons why I will continue to give back my gifts of time, talent, treasure, and testimony personally, professionally, and spiritually. May my life make an impact on those in the Diocese of San Jose and our worldwide body of Christ. 

- John Huân Vu, St. Simon

We were living in Nicaragua when Pope Francis was elected, and the community of Latin America was so thrilled. Upon returning to this diocese as a teacher, Pope Francis' life and ministry has continued to inform my work and vocation. I strive to keep his message from World Youth Day in Lisbon of "Todos, todos, todos!" at the forefront of my mind in my classroom and in my ministry with students, faculty and staff, and parents in our community. I imagine he will continue to inspire my personal faith life as a Catholic and my ministry.

- Kristin Byrnes, Archbishop Mitty High School

Pope Francis’ call for all of us to embrace a culture of encounter, to be joyful missionaries in taking the Gospel to our brothers and sisters in the peripheries, and to do our part in taking care of our common home, helped me to grow in my relationship with Jesus, our Lord, and become much more intentional, patient, and committed to my ministry as a teacher, a principal, and a catechist.

- Olga Islas, Our Lady of Guadalupe

His life has been a clear example of unconditional agape love. I think he gave a whole new meaning to really being a servant of God. I deeply appreciated how he gave women more power and visibility in the Church and often recognized how important women's influence can be with regards to ‘getting things done.’ He was loved and recognized by different religions, even non-believers. 

- Cyntia Ferrarese, St. Joseph, Mountain View

When I learned Pope Francis washed the feet of Muslims on Holy Thursday, his actions gave me peace and courage to go beyond my comfort level and befriend others of different faiths.  Inspired, I have had heart-to-heart conversations with my teacher who was a Muslim (I was living in Abu Dhabi at the time) and we both have learned and grown in mutual respect for the depths of our respective faiths.   I thank Pope Francis for teaching me that we are all God's children; to be welcoming and accepting to all.

- Desi Cataluna, St. Mary, Gilroy

Pope Francis’ emphasis on God's endless mercy helped me better understand Christ's love for each of us, even in our brokenness. Seeing his simple actions and heartfelt words challenged me to seek Christ more sincerely in the poor, the marginalized, and in my daily encounters. The only picture I see of Pope Francis in my mind now is how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, and I’ll try to do the same in my own life.

- Sonny Vu, St. Maria Goretti Parish

Pope Francis deeply impacted me when he spoke about La Casa Común in his encyclical Laudato Si.  What struck me most was his emphasis that global warming and pollution hurt the poorest communities first; our waste does not just disappear, it ends up harming the most vulnerable. His words made me realize that real change starts with our daily choices, and that caring for the Earth is deeply tied to loving our neighbors.

- Elvira Rojas, St. Mary, Gilroy

He reminded us that every person deserves dignity and love, regardless of background. I am also inspired by his care for all of God’s creation, urging us to be responsible stewards of the Earth. His life challenges me to live more simply, love more deeply, and act more justly.

- Merry Kaelani, St. Teresa

Through my Tijuana ministry trip, the papacy of Pope Francis brought me closer to Christ by awakening in me a deeper compassion for the poor and marginalized — those whom Jesus Himself embraced. His teachings reminded me that serving the poor is not an option but essential to the Gospel. In each child, migrant, or struggling family I encountered in Tijuana, I began to see more clearly the face of Christ just as Pope Francis invited.

- Pauline Duong, St. Francis of Assisi

He affirmed my belief that it is our responsibility as humans, created by God out of His immense love, to care for Mother Earth, our common home, and the environment that surrounds us to end its destruction and preserve it. It is only fitting that we return to Him the love and utmost respect for His creation which includes us, humans.

- Ana Gawrosch, St Joseph of Cupertino

Laudato Si helped to change my relationship with God, with those in my parish and community and all of creation.  He has inspired me to work at providing food, shelter, and clothing to those in need while reducing waste of all kinds. When reflecting on the natural disasters that have claimed so many areas of the world it has made me realize my own grandchildren may not be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the world the same way I did growing up. It will take all of us working together, accomplishing big and small things to make God's Creation flourish.

- Michelle Nealon, St. Simon

One word comes to mind when I reflect on Pope Francis: communion.  Ever since I read Laudato Si I have grown in my commitment to living in communion with creation: with the Earth and all living beings.   For me, seeking environmental justice is a constituent part of being a Catholic.  This connection has grown on me over this past decade.

- Elizabeth Lilly, Sts. Nicholas and William