‘Champion of the poor’: Lincoln nonprofit says Pope Francis’ legacy lives on in its work
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Charity workers in Lincoln and around the world said farewell to Pope Francis on Monday.
Whether it was embracing immigrants, speaking out for the poor challenging injustice, his disciples say Pope Francis led with his heart.
A Catholic nonprofit in Lincoln said it’s using the strength and inspiration from his work and putting it into action.
“A title for him would be ‘Champion of the poor,'” said John Soukup, the development officer Catholic Social Serivces of Southern Nebraska. “He was all about human dignity.”
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Pope Francis was often called “The People’s Pope,” and a voice for the voiceless.
That voice echoed across the globe.
At Catholic Social Services, the message wasn’t just heard; it became a mission.
“The works of mercy, feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, visiting the imprisoned in the prison ministry, things like that are all about what CSS is about on a day-to-day basis,” Soukup said. “Most recently, though, I think the biggest impact he’s had on us at CSS is his love of the environment.”
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From feeding families to resettling refugees, staff at the nonprofit said the pontiff’s call to serve the forgotten shapes everything they do.
“He made sure that people were recognized for who they were; it was all about human dignity,” he said. “I think that is something we will be reflecting on for the days to come.”
Catholic Social Services said it will continue to help immigrants and the poor and will use the motivation of Pope Francis to fight the good fight.
Soukup said his death isn’t a time of sadness, but a time of celebration.
“The fact that he died on Easter Monday, where it is a time we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, what a perfect day for a pope in particular to pass out of this world and into heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
