In calling us to change the world, pope changed the life of Cardinal Tobin

Pope Francis and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, N.J., share a moment of joy in 2017 when the pope gave the former archbishop of Indianapolis his pallium—a circular band made from lamb’s wool that symbolized Cardinal Tobin’s role as the shepherd of the Archdiocese of Newark and his communion with the pope. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

By John Shaughnessy

In his 12 years of leading the Church, Pope Francis called all of us to be the change the world needs.

Make a difference in the lives of the vulnerable, the poor, the oppressed, the immigrant, the heartbroken.

Make the world a safer and more inviting place by caring for the environment and working toward peace and hope instead of conflict and war.

Pope Francis also profoundly changed the lives of people in dramatic individual ways, including the life of Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, former archbishop of Indianapolis, and, since 2016, archbishop of Newark, N.J.

When then-Archbishop Tobin headed to Rome in November of 2016 to be installed as a cardinal by Pope Francis, his thoughts naturally returned to the first time he met the pope.

The year was 2005, and the two men were part of a meeting of the Synod of Bishops. For the better part of four weeks, they sat next to each other, talking about the topics of the meeting and getting to know each other through their shared ability to speak Spanish.

At the time, Cardinal Tobin was the superior general of the Redemptorist order while Pope Francis was Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires. The synod took place shortly after the conclave of 2005 that elected Benedict XVI as pope—a conclave in which many observers noted that Cardinal Bergoglio likely finished in second place in the election process.

“I told the cardinal later on that he was my mother’s candidate [in 2005],” Cardinal Tobin recalled, citing the way his mother appreciated how then-Cardinal Bergoglio lived in a small apartment, took a bus to work and cooked his own meals. “He got quite a laugh out of that.”

The bond between the two men was especially evident when Archbishop Tobin knelt before Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 29, 2013, to receive his pallium—a circular band made from lamb’s wool that symbolizes his role as the shepherd of the archdiocese and his communion with the pope.

In that moment, Pope Francis spent considerable time talking with then-Archbishop Tobin.

“First, we had a conversation, and it was clear he knew the circumstances of my life in the last few years,” Cardinal Tobin recalled in 2016. “And when he put the pallium on my shoulders, he switched from Italian into Spanish because that was the language of his heart. And he said something personal to me. And it was lovely. And I’ve always been grateful for that, but I never thought it would end with the news [about being named a cardinal].”

Three months before Pope Francis made that announcement—“on a steamy afternoon at the end of July”—Cardinal Tobin visited the pope in the guest house in Vatican City where he lived, to discuss Church business.

“He invited me into a sort of television room where there were four or five chairs, and he said, ‘Pick whichever one you want. I’ll take whatever is left.’ And we talked, and shared. And I saw a very human side to him. He said twice, ‘I really don’t know why I was elected. I suspect the Italians couldn’t agree on a candidate.’ ”

Then Pope Francis added, “But because I wasn’t looking for this, I accepted it as God’s will. And I believe I’ll have what I need.”

Then and now, Cardinal Tobin viewed the pope’s words as an example for everyone “to stay connected to each other in solidarity, but most importantly to stay connected to Jesus Christ.”

It was a bond that connected Pope Francis and Cardinal Tobin, just as they shared a vision of the Church that is open and welcoming.

“I think it’s the connection of a teacher and his disciple,” Cardinal Tobin said about their relationship. “I really do think, in all sincerity, that I’m an unworthy recipient of his affection. I don’t know why. Whatever began in 2005 has continued and deepened.”

Their bond grew stronger in the nine years that Pope Francis often called upon Cardinal Tobin to not only serve the people of the Archdiocese of Newark, but to assist him in ministries touching people’s lives around the world. Now, Cardinal Tobin will be among the cardinals who will help choose Pope Francis’ successor.

On the day of the passing of his friend and mentor, Cardinal Tobin shared this tribute.

“With profound sorrow and heartfelt gratitude, I join the Church in mourning the death of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, a shepherd who walked closely with God’s people and never tired of reminding us of God’s mercy. He was a man of deep faith, profound humility and unshakable hope—a servant whose tireless call to care for the poor and the marginalized will continue to inspire the Church for generations to come.

“In this Easter season, as we proclaim that Christ is risen and death is not the end, we entrust Pope Francis to the risen Lord whom he followed so faithfully. May Christ, our hope and resurrection, welcome him into the fullness of joy and peace.

“Let us give thanks for his life, his witness and his love for the people of God. And may we honor his memory by building a Church that reflects the face of Jesus—merciful, welcoming and always near to those on the margins.” †

 

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