The Walk - What Pope Francis Taught Me About My Calling

This past month, I took some time off — not for a trip or a big project like I had planned, but simply to pause and reflect. And something unexpected happened: I finally found clarity about my own vocation.I’ve always juggled a lot of roles. Parish work, media work, creative projects. And honestly? I often felt torn between what I wanted to do and what I thought I should do as a priest.But then came the sudden passing of Pope Francis. Listening to the stories of his life, especially how he followed his heart — even when people advised him not to — deeply moved me. His last act on earth was insisting on joining the faithful one more time on St. Peter’s Square, even though he was so weak. That choice to be with his people, to listen to that inner voice of the Spirit, hit home for me.It made me ask myself:Who are my people?Where am I truly called to be present?What am I still afraid to fully embrace in my mission?The answer was clear, and honestly, it's been there all along. I’m called to be a pastor for the creatives, the geeks, the cosplayers, the storytellers, the dreamers. The people who often feel unseen by the church. The ones I feel at home with — because I’m one of them.I’ve spent years half-apologizing for this focus, worrying that it wasn’t “priestly” enough. But this month, I realized: the only person holding me back was me.Pope Francis reminded me that vocation isn’t about playing it safe or checking the right boxes. It’s about listening to where the Holy Spirit nudges you — even if it takes you off the beaten path. Especially then.This month, for the first time, I feel at peace with my mission. Not because I finally “got it all together,” but because I stopped fighting it. Get full access to Father Roderick at fatherroderick.substack.com/subscribe