A Moment in Rome – Remembering Pope Francis

Some stories come quietly, wrapped not in headlines but in reverence. During a recent Love in Leadership conversation, Joe Lumarda shared a deeply personal experience at the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome. What unfolded was a sacred journey, a brief chapter he calls “my year with Francis.”

Joe’s connection to Pope Francis began through his work with Scholas Occurentes, an international, non-denominational youth empowerment organization founded by the Pope while he was still Cardinal of Buenos Aires. Through this relationship, Joe traveled to Rome in 2024, where he met Pope Francis. As is customary when meeting the Pope, Joe presented him with a gift – a custom-made stole embroidered with the Scholas logo. That gift was personal, symbolic, and humble, and marked a moment of genuine spiritual connection.

When the news came of the Pope’s passing, Joe talked about going, even though he might not be able to attend the service. Despite the uncertainty, Joe took the risk. The night before the service, he received an official invitation from Scholas. His account of the experience was quiet and profound. Joe was seated in the rows of bleachers above St. Peter’s Square and was able to celebrate the life and mourn the passing of Pope Francis.

He described the experience as a whirlwind—arriving in Rome, visiting Pope Francis in repose, attending the funeral, and leaving just days later. Yet, the depth of the moment lingered. “It was not only historic,” Joe said, “it was deeply personal.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Joe for sharing this moving and sacred moment with us. His story reminds us that love in leadership isn’t only about service—it’s also about bearing witness to grace when it shows up in unexpected ways.