Former West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson on Meeting Pope Francis and Inclusivity

Meeting Pope Francis

• 💡 John Erickson, former mayor of West Hollywood, met with Pope Francis in November 2023 as part of a group from the organization Skolas.
• 🎯 Skolas focuses on helping children discuss their communities, engage in sports, and navigate contemporary issues.
• ✨ The meeting was described as life-changing and a cherished memory for Erickson.

Representation and Gifts

• 🏳️‍🌈 Erickson, a gay Catholic, presented Pope Francis with the city flag of West Hollywood and a proclamation.
• 💖 The proclamation thanked the Pope for his advocacy on equality for all and for making gay Catholics feel more included.
• 🗣️ Erickson highlighted Pope Francis's statement, "Who is he to judge?" as critical in recognizing his work.

Pope Francis's Legacy of Inclusivity

• 🕊️ Erickson hopes the next pontiff will carry forward Pope Francis's message of humility, unconditional love, and moving beyond labels.
• 🚪 Pope Francis is credited with reopening the Catholic Church for gay Catholics and promoting women within the Church.
• 📈 There is a concern that a more traditional pontiff might reverse the progressive inclusivity Pope Francis championed.
• ✅ Erickson emphasizes the importance of continuing this progress to ensure everyone feels loved and accepted.

Groundbreaking Acts of Inclusivity

• 💧 The ritual washing of the feet is cited as an example of Pope Francis's inclusivity, having been performed for Muslims, prisoners, refugees, and migrants.
• 👩‍🦰 Unprecedentedly, Pope Francis washed the feet of women exclusively in 2024, an act seen as groundbreaking in its inclusivity.