During Holy Week, Callista and I had the privilege of attending services three times at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., a truly awe-inspiring structure.
As the largest Catholic church in America – and among the ten largest globally – it can accommodate over 3,500 worshippers, with Easter Sunday bringing attendees to standing room capacity. Observing those receiving communion, I was deeply moved by the remarkable diversity present within its walls. Each of our visits showcased a vibrant tapestry of dress and ethnicities, powerfully illustrating the truly universal nature of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Basilica itself proudly highlights this global representation through its numerous chapels and oratories:
- African
- Austrian
- Chinese
- Cuban
- Czech
- Filipino
- French
- German
- Guamanian
- Hungarian
- Indian
- Irish
- Italian
- Korean
- Latin American
- Lebanese
- Lithuanian
- Maltese
- Polish
- Slovak
- Slovenian
- Vietnamese
The late Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to compassion and inclusivity significantly enhanced the Church’s appeal and spurred its growth, particularly in Africa and South Asia. This spirit was palpable during Easter Week at the Basilica.
Upon his selection as Pope Francis in 2013 – a name chosen by Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio signifying a dedication to serving those most vulnerable – he emulated Saint Francis of Assisi’s profound desire to alleviate suffering and offer support to the marginalized. A poignant example of this commitment occurred just days before his passing, when, despite evident illness, Pope Francis visited Regina Caeli prison in Rome, washing the feet of twelve inmates in a gesture echoing Christ’s act with the Apostles.
This unwavering openness and outreach served as a powerful message of acceptance and care, extending the Church’s embrace to individuals facing both spiritual and physical hardship worldwide. That welcoming spirit was clearly evident at the Basilica last week.
I am often reminded by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words from his iconic 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech: “I think it is one of the tragedies –– one of the shameful tragedies –– that 11 o’clock on Sunday morning is one of the most segregated hours, if not the most segregated hour, in Christian America.” Rev. King challenged us to transcend legal desegregation and strive for genuine integration.
I believe both Rev. King and Pope Francis would have been heartened by the unity, sincerity, and warmth I witnessed at the Basilica. Perhaps now, it is within these grand churches that we find America’s most unified hour.
We experienced a similar sense of global community during Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, where people from every conceivable background came together to worship. This universality was also deeply familiar from Callista’s time as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, witnessing firsthand the remarkable diversity within the Vatican’s diplomatic corps, especially on Christmas Eve at Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Even amidst declining health, Pope Francis continued his tireless travels, visiting nations like Mongolia and Timor-Leste, carrying forward the tradition of outreach that Saint Pope John Paul II championed – a routine now integral to papal ministry.
Let us continue this vital work of reaching out to every individual, regardless of their background. By embracing faith at the heart of our Christian heritage, we can honor the legacy of Pope Francis and strive towards a more inclusive world.
