'Pope Francis' vision for CCR transformed UK Church landscape' CCR pays tribute to 'genuinely Charismatic' Pope Francis

As CCR continues to remember and give thanks for Pope Francis, many have shared their reflections of his profound impact on CCR- the movement he affectionately called the "current of grace." Read the reflections below which some people have shared with CHARIS England and Wales, as we give thanks to the Lord for all He did for CCR through 'genuinely Charismatic' Pope Francis.

Michelle Moran, who was personally appointed by Pope Francis in 2016

to be part of a team to establish CHARIS, said: "Having served under 3 Popes during my time with ICCRS. I can say without doubt that once Pope Francis was elected, everyone who worked in the Vatican had to adjust to the fact that ‘Pope Francis does things in a different way’."

"Pope Francis sensed we were living in an extraordinary time of the Holy Spirit, when we were seeing the Holy Spirit move very quickly. I think this guided some of his discernment as he tried to lead the Church forward. He was always quick to enter into the world of all those he met and very at ease with people. He was always keen to involve every person in the conversation and listen to what people wanted to share." (Click here for Michelle's full reflections)

Maria Heath, former CNSC coordinator, said: "Pope Francis' vision for CCR has transformed the landscape of the Church in this country. We see the institutional and charismatic dimensions of the Church working ever more closely together as missionary disciples to share the grace of Baptism in the Holy Spirit with everyone."

Speaking to his home Diocese of Northampton, Bishop David Oakley, one of CCR's Episcopal Advisors, said: "His life was a testament to the Gospel’s call to mercy, justice, and love, lived out in solidarity with the poor, the forgotten, and all those on the peripheries of society. His heart was always open to those who felt lost or excluded, reminding us that the Church is not a fortress but a home where all are welcomed, listened to, and valued.

"Pope Francis called us to journey together, shaping a Church that walks with the wounded, discerns with the faithful, and serves with humility. He showed us what it means to be a truly synodal people—seeking the voice of the Spirit in communion with one another, always attentive to those the world so often overlooks.

"His vision of the Church was one of encounter and accompaniment, where God’s mercy reaches every heart longing for hope. Evangelii Guadium is such an inspiration for the would-be missionary disciple in a parish that seeks its true identity."

Charles Whitehead KSG, former President of the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services, said the Church was "blessed to have a genuinely Charismatic Pope", adding: "CHARIS is an organism of service in obedience to the Holy Spirit - not one of government. It was Pope Francis himself who wanted this to reach everywhere in the world, whilst remaining open to the impulse of the Spirit and avoiding a hierarchical leadership in relation to the countless expressions of this stream."

"In Francis' view, the Charismatic Renewal needed to understand itself as a pastoral instrument in the service of the Pope, not belonging to its members but to the Church. Francis describes it as 'a current of grace' which goes beyond individuals and is confirmed in its ecclesial identity by the pastors of the Church. So CHARIS was a new phase in its ecclesial maturity."

"The birth of CHARIS [was] the fruit of a profound understanding from the Church itself of the identity of the Charismatic Renewal as a current of grace which is a unique service excluding no-one."

"Whilst every Pope since 1967 has supported this Renewal in the Holy Spirit, Francis [was] the only one who has been an active participant since his days in Buenos Aires as the episcopal leader of the Argentinian Church."

John Wheeler, CDSC coordinator, Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, said: "We thank Pope Francis for setting a compass for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the creation of CHARIS.  Pope Francis, pray for us that we stay true to your vision."

Deacon Alison Rebello, CDSC secretary, Hexham and Newcastle, called Pope Francis "a man of profound wisdom, who shared his joys and sorrows unequivocally and said what he felt, as it is, regarding the happenings across the world. Everything that he said was worth its weight. We have lost; but heaven has won him."