Last weekend, it was my honor to be chosen to be part of a delegation of five colleagues who represented the U.S. Senate at Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City.
The crowd was overwhelming. Estimated in the hundreds of thousands, they represented every corner of the Earth. Just in our section was a delegation in business suits from Lesotho, Buddhists in bright orange robes, members of the Italian Parliament, a turbaned Sikh delegation from India and our bipartisan House delegation led by Nancy Pelosi and Republican Leader Steve Scalise.
Thousands of Catholic clergy on the altar and in the audience wore vestments presenting every shade of scarlet and red. But the vast crowds of mourners and celebrants were simply admirers of Francis who, in his humble way, touched so many lives. At the front of the altar was his simple wooden casket.
The funeral ceremony was in Latin, the language of the Catholic Church when I was a young altar boy at St. Elizabeth’s Church in East St. Louis, Illinois, in the 1950s. As I witnessed this solemn mass and read from the text, I could hear in my mind the rusty hinges of an opening door taking me back to the Latin mass and Gregorian chant of my childhood. It is all still there, “Deo gratias.”
How did this Mass differ from the Funeral of John Paul II decades ago? I was there in 2005, and I remember the crowds of Polish mourners with their red and white flags for John Paul II. But with Francis, what struck me were the many waves of spontaneous cheering from the vast crowd when reference was made to his simple message for immigrants, peace and understanding.
Francis’ five words: “Who am I to judge?” defined his humility and humanity for so many of us. After the ceremony, I went back to my hotel room and turned on my TV. There was a recurring segment every few minutes. It showed a simple photograph of Francis and the Italian words: “Grazie Francesco, il Papa della gente.” Translated to English: “Thank you, Francis. The people’s pope.”
We must continue to hold fast to the message of Pope Francis to love and respect one another. In a world of hate and fear, his message of peace and understanding is needed now more than ever.
U.S. Sen Dick Durbin, D-Il.
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Pope was an example for all — even skeptics
There has been much debate about whether Pope Francis has now found his reward or his punishment. But isn’t it much more likely (although a whole let less satisfying) that he has found neither, that we have tricked ourselves for thousands of years into believing there is a life after this one?
And yet, Francis’ example of kindness and love, especially to the marginalized and the unfortunate — imperfect as it was — is a shining model of what matters most in doing as much good as we can in this life. Not retribution, not revenge, not domination, but love and kindness. Not arrogance, but humility. Francis saying, “Who am I to judge?” will live on as a counterweight to those who think they know everything about everything and work furiously to bend everyone else to their will.
Kevin Coughlin, Evanston
Feds need to rethink strategy
Regarding Rich Miller’s commentary (“Feds’ weak swing in Jones bribery trial part of a troubling trend”), in the past, when you were indicted by the U.S. attorney’s office, prosecutors typically had “the goods on you.”
Now the office is seemingly over-reaching on the filing of charges. Too often it seems like the federal prosecutor’s office is being hyper-aggressive. Yes, city of Chicago officials have historically provided fertile ground for criminal investigation. Still, perhaps the prosecutors should become less interested in collecting “scalps” and more interested in evaluating evidence.
Terry Takash, Western Springs
Countless children, families will lose without Head Start
My path into early childhood education began over 20 years ago, and I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of Head Start, which sadly, may lose federal funding. More than just education, Head Start breaks down barriers and builds resilience through holistic, comprehensive support and gives children from low-income families access to early learning experiences, which is essential for success.
Head Start sees each child as unique, rejecting one-size-fits-all education. This personalized support and early intervention build resilience and a strong foundation.
What truly sets Head Start apart is its deep commitment to families, as it empowers parents as leaders and advocates, fostering confidence and self-sufficiency.
Ultimately, Head Start is a catalyst for lasting change, breaking cycles of poverty through strong partnerships and access to vital resources like healthcare, housing, employment and education.
Without Head Start, the consequences would be profound — echoing across generations. Beyond education, it strengthens local economies by creating jobs and essential partnerships.
In a recent speech to early learning staff, I shared a belief close to my heart: Each of us has impacted lives in ways we may never fully realize. Every child brings unique experiences, and often it’s the smallest moments — a smile, a warm welcome, a safe space — that make the biggest difference.
These moments of connection help children feel seen, heard and supported, laying the foundation for confidence and lifelong success. We’ve seen families gain stability, children reach milestones, and communities flourish. These connections extend far beyond the classroom, shaping futures in ways that cannot be measured but must be preserved.
Amy Blythe, assistant vice president, Early Learning Services, Edgewater
More need to say ‘yes’ to foster kids
May is National Foster Care Month — a time to recognize the critical role foster families play in the lives of vulnerable children.
As vice president and CEO of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, one of the largest child welfare agencies in our state, I feel a deep responsibility to share a heartbreaking truth: Our country and state are facing an alarming shortage of foster families, especially those able to take in children during emergency situations.
Many of these children have been bounced from place to place, hurt and let down, sometimes even by those meant to help them heal. Their trauma runs deep and can overwhelm even the most dedicated systems of care.
When placements fall apart and every option is exhausted, they are left without a safe place to land. On too many nights, they sit in offices or sleep in conference rooms, not because anyone stopped caring, but because no caregiver was available to say “yes.” No child should ever end their day in a waiting room chair or on a makeshift cot.
We need families and individuals from all walks of life who are willing to say “yes” to a child in crisis. Emergency placements can be short term, but the impact is lifelong. You don’t have to be perfect, just present, willing and supported — and support is something our agency and many others are committed to providing every step of the way.
I urge Sun-Times readers to learn more about fostering and how they might help — whether by becoming a foster parent, supporting foster families or simply spreading awareness. Together, we can ensure no child spends another night without a safe place to rest.
LaTasha Roberson-Guifarro, vice president and chief operating officer, ,Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, Oakbrook Terrace
Stop proposing simple curfew tactics
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) must stop. He needs to learn the difference between repeating slogans: curfews, curfews, curfews and articulating policies that can be developed and implemented.
As a professional historian who has studied cities, education, young people, crime and safety, I urge Hopkins to learn some history. There are many lessons.
First, there is no one solution to a complicated problem such as young people congregating in large numbers in urban spaces in evenings. The problem in all cities, including Chicago, is not limited to one area. Over-focus on Streeterville and River North worsens the problem, in other districts.
Second, curfews must be enforced. A variable, catch-as-catch-can, sometimes 8 p.m., sometimes 10 p.m., curfew, called on spur of the moment discretionary decisions after dark by Chicago police officers who do not want such responsibility is guaranteed to worsen problems.
It will antagonize and confuse its targets. It will overstrain an already short-handed police force — from decision-making to enforcement. How, for example, will decisions be made? Who, in particular, will make them? Will resources immediately be moved from other, more dangerous and crime-ridden areas? How will officers in the dark distinguish those under and over the age of 18?
Shifting, changing curfews raise immediate questions about civil liberties and constitutional rights. The American Civil Liberties Union and others are watching closely. At the moment of Trump vs. the U.S. Constitution, do Hopkins and his colleagues really want to take on that challenge?
Third, the problem calls for a multi-pronged set of policy, educational, sociocultural, both formal and informal, coordinated efforts. The mayor shows some awareness of this. Hopkins shows none.
Fourth, when will all of the City Council, including Hopkins, find multiple ways to increase the city budget to staff the kinds and size of both public safety and law enforcement that Chicago desperately needs. That requires innovation, such as progressive taxation, an old American tradition.
We need safety and policing for all Chicago. The most successful form begins with regular patrolling by well-trained public safety officers. We have none of that in Chicago today, including my own Lincoln Park.
Harvey J. Graff, professor emeritus of English and History, Ohio State University, Lincoln Park
Gratitude for nurses
Regardless of their specialty or where they practice, nurses play critical roles in treating injuries and illness, as well as keeping people healthy and safe. They are often at the front line of health care, delivering expert care while comforting and advocating for their patients and families.
Throughout my years in emergency nursing, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with nurses across many aspects of our profession. My career has taken me through the intensive care unit, the emergency department, flight nursing, hospital leadership, research, advocacy and as a leader at many levels of the Emergency Nurses Association.
Throughout this time, I have learned from and been inspired by nurses from all walks of life, who each traveled a unique path into nursing and have riveting stories to tell about their journeys. I also love presenting at student nursing events and sharing in the excitement of young people who are getting ready to dive into this rewarding, challenging, humbling and amazing profession.
During National Nurses Week — May 6 through 12 — I want to express appreciation on behalf of myself and the Emergency Nurses Association for all nurses and the work they do.
Nurses use their expertise to respond to the most traumatic injuries and care for patients in all fields — from oncology to obstetrics to orthopedics. They educate the public about illness and injury prevention, conduct research that leads to better patient outcomes and teach today’s students who are working to be tomorrow’s nurses.
I encourage everyone, when they have an opportunity, to thank their nurses for all they do to make communities healthier and safer.
Ryan Ogelsby, president, Emergency Nurses Association, Schaumburg
Mean mug
Donald Trump’s decision to post his glowering mug shot outside of the Oval Office should tell you enough about the man occupying that office. If you don’t feel sad for voting for him, I truly wish you will reconsider.
John Hankes, Streeterville