My Meeting With Pope Francis|A Reflection | Fr Ken Barker MGL

In 2015 I was present at a priests’ charismatic retreat at St John Lateran Basilica in Rome. Pope Francis came to address us. He sat at a table in front of us, only a couple of metres from where I was seated. I had been selected by the organisers to ask the Pope a question on behalf of Oceania. After he finished his inspiring reflection I went to the microphone to ask my question. I asked about his gift of making people feel welcome.

Then I sat down as he answered the question. Although the Basilica was full of priests, he kept eye contact with me throughout. So when he finished speaking I felt free to stand up and approach him for a blessing. This was unscripted and I was worried about Vatican guards. But they did not move, because when he saw me coming he stood up, came forward, and greeted me with a warm hug. He encouraged me to keep going in our evangelising work. I had with me a copy of my book entitled “His Name is Mercy”. Since I had a premonition I may be able to meet him personally, I had written in the book, “Holy Father, thanks for the year of Mercy!” He received the book and then held it up to his friends excitedly, saying, “Look, His Name is Mercy!” I did not understand why he was so excited, until a few months later I discovered he put out a book called “God’s Name is Mercy”!

That embrace of Pope Francis ministered the Father’s love to me, and I spent a few days in Assisi after this encounter, simply soaking up the joy of this moment of God’s loving embrace ministered by our dear Pope. I will always be grateful for this blessed meeting.

Fr Ken Barker