Laudato Si

A Poem for Pope Francis, 1936-2025

Laudato Si, praise be to you O Lord,
For Brother Francis who, with grace and poise,
spoke up for the oppressed, unseen, ignored,
forgotten, giving them a faithful voice.
Laudato Si, praise be to you O Lord,
For Brother Francis who, with strength of mind,
stood up for your creation and restored
its honour in the eyes of humankind.
Laudato Si, praise be to you O Lord,
For Brother Francis who, with dignity,
laid down his privilege to serve the poor,
pointing towards a world where all are free.
A faithful servant, may he rest in peace:
For Brother Francis, Lord, Laudato Si.

Rich Clarkson, Easter Monday 2025