From the moment I heard his first greeting — “Buona sera” — spoken from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis’ words and gestures struck a personal chord with me. That connection remained constant throughout his 12-year pontificate.

For me, his words always carried a penetrating power, revealing — beyond logic — the heart of the matter. His gestures, almost sacramental in their effect, made tangible the tender, fatherly love of God.

He so deeply shaped my priesthood that, on several occasions, my weekday homilies happened to match his, almost word for word. “Everyone, everyone, everyone; there is room for everyone in the Church” became my mantra as a pastor.

I had long hoped to greet him in person. That was not to be. In a marvellous turn of events, however, I had the privilege of assisting him in the Vatican Secretariat of State during the final three months of his earthly journey. To serve in that moment of his pontificate felt like standing in a quiet place near Calvary.

Holy Father Pope Francis, on Easter Sunday you chose to remain close to your flock, sharing the joy of the Gospel and blessing us from the same balcony as on that first day. Your words and gestures have continued to draw me closer to Jesus, even to the end. Thank you for everything — my Pope!

“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1)

Father Paul Goo is a Vancouver priest serving a five-year term with the English-language section of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. He writes from the Vatican.