Exaudi publishes for its readers the poem “You Didn’t Give Up,” written by Gloria Liliana Franco Echeverri, President of the Latin American Confederation of Religious (CLAR). It is a tribute to Pope Francis, reflecting his tireless dedication and pastoral vision. Through its verses, the author highlights the Pontiff’s fidelity to the Gospel message, his courage in guiding the Church toward what is essential, and his commitment to an inclusive, synodal, and ecumenical vision. The poem highlights the figure of a leader who does not renounce the fundamental values ​​of Christianity, even in the face of criticism and adversity, and invites us to follow his example of hope, mercy, and love for the Kingdom of God. This tribute to Pope Francis is a call to not give up on our own mission to live and spread the Gospel with joy and courage.

YOU DID NOT GIVE UP

You did not give up

looking to Jesus,

nor giving up guiding the Church’s journey

toward the essence of the Gospel.

You did not give up

centering your heart on your God

and wanting, like Him,

a Church with room for all.

You did not give up

the prophetic and bold gestures,

nor the kind closeness,

nor the revolutionary mercy,

that scandalized the Pharisees.

You did not give up

the contagious good humor,

nor the indispensable dose of joy

that renewed our hope.

You did not give up

traversing

so many and such diverse territories,

nor the necessary and challenging

synodal and outgoing Church;

nor did you give up

love without borders,

ecumenical dialogue,

the care of creation,

and the search for peace.

You did not renounce

your roots, your identity,

your consciousness as a people,

the theology that gave birth to you,

and the incarnate expression

of a radical spirituality.

You did not renounce

when you were harassed

by slander and criticism;

you did not renounce it when you were slammed

by misunderstanding and indifference.

And even,

with your strength waning,

you remained standing,

like the “women of dawn,”

like the witnesses

of all the hours.

You did not renounce it,

you could not;

your passion for Jesus and for the Kingdom

prevented you from giving up.

You did not renounce it,

and neither will we.