In a newly released interview from 2021, originally intended for a documentary and now being aired by the Catholic network ESNE, Pope Francis offers profound spiritual reflections on the role of the Apostle Peter, the responsibilities of Church leaders, and the enduring power of faith amid suffering. Speaking intimately from the Casa Santa Marta residence to ESNE founder Noel Díaz, the Pontiff shares a deeply personal vision of what it means to be the successor of Peter — not as a position of power, but of servanthood.

From Fisherman to Rock of the Church

Reflecting on Scripture, Pope Francis emphasized that Peter was chosen by Jesus from among ordinary people — not from the elite, but from the crowd thirsting for God’s word. “Jesus called Simon from the midst of the people, and that’s where the shepherd must always remain — with the flock,” he said. The Pope warned against spiritual elitism, stressing that priests and bishops are called not to dominate but to serve.

When Peter recognized his own sinfulness — "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinner" — Jesus responded not by casting him aside, but by entrusting him with a mission. “It is in that humility, in that recognition of our limitations, that Jesus builds His Church,” said Pope Francis. “He doesn't anoint Peter to elevate him politically or socially. He anoints him to be a pastor — a shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep.”

The Papacy: A Journey of Faith, Not Privilege

Asked how he feels stepping into Peter’s shoes, Pope Francis responded with humility. “It is the Lord who began this in me. Despite my sins, He accompanies me.” His trust, he says, lies not in his own strength but in God’s ongoing mercy.

The Pope explored Peter’s bold declaration of Jesus as the Son of God, noting it wasn’t born of intellectual reasoning but divine revelation. “Peter put his entire self on the line,” said the Pope. “And yet, the same Peter later stumbles, tries to prevent Jesus from embracing the Cross, and is sharply rebuked: ‘Get behind me, Satan!’” The lesson? Even the highest spiritual leaders can fall when they stray from God’s path.

On Facing Evil and the Temptations of Power

Francis warned that the true threat to the Church isn’t criticism from outside, but when leaders put their hope in money, influence, or comfort. “The gates of hell,” he said, “are not noisy protestors or secular critics — they are internal corruptions, the Church relying on wealth or power instead of Christ.”

He denounced any Church triumphalism, repeating that the Church that truly prevails is not the one with full coffers or social clout, but “the Church of the martyrs.”

The Way of the Cross Is Still the Way Forward

The Pope reflected powerfully on Jesus’ triple question to Peter: “Do you love me?” — a moment of painful redemption after Peter’s three denials. “Jesus didn’t promise Peter an easy path,” he said. “Instead, He told him that he too would be led to crucifixion. That’s the way of the shepherd — not ease, but self-sacrifice.”

He drew a poignant parallel to today's Christian martyrs — not just those killed for their faith, but everyday men and women who witness Christ through service, sacrifice, and steadfastness. “Martyrdom doesn’t always mean blood. It means witness. A mother raising children in faith is a martyr. A migrant clinging to hope is a martyr. Anyone who bears witness to Jesus is building the Church.”

Final Blessing: A Prayer for the Persecuted and the Forgotten

Pope Francis ended the interview with a heartfelt blessing, especially for migrants — people forced from their homelands, struggling through exile. “To those longing for home, those surviving indifference or injustice, may the Lord bless you and stay with you always.”

In his closing words, Pope Francis urged believers to stay grounded in the Word, anchored in humility, and fearless in witness. “Pray for me,” he said. “I am your brother, your father, your servant.”