By Abby Stamelman Hocky • Posted May 2, 2025

When Pope Francis came to Philadelphia in 2015, I remember how the spirit of the city was uplifted. Sitting along Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a close Catholic colleague and her 6-year-old daughter holding a stuffed figurine of the Pope, I recall my curiosity of why so many people, especially non-Catholics, were drawn to his words and his presence.

I was far from the only Jewish person drawn downtown that Sunday. In the conversations surrounding the Pope’s visit, people of all faiths—and even those with no religious affiliation—were leaning in, eager to hear what he had to say.

I began to notice how Pope Francis addressed leaders of the U.S. Congress and leaders of our city with words that reminded them of their sacred callings.

He spoke of the American treasures of freedom, of religious freedom, and a commitment to the dignity and welfare of all. He spoke of the importance of dialogue, hope, and working toward the common good.

In his sincere, soulful, and humble way, Pope Francis awakened our individual and collective responsibility to be part of the solution to societal ills.

Last week we remembered the moral clarity of Pope Francis that awakened our hearts and souls. Let us pause now to listen to one another and have conversations that matter.

Let’s join hands and walk together into a better future. Let’s do this for the sake of our children and grandchildren so that they will inherit a world where everyone thrives.

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Abby Stamelman Hocky is executive director of Interfaith Philadelphia, which promotes interfaith understanding, cooperation, and collaboration in the Philadelphia region. Learn more at InterfaithPhiladelphia.org.