“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use crochet.” –St. Francis of Assisi (sort of)*

This is a crochet tribute to Pope Francis. I began this design seven years ago and thought it would be a fitting memorial to share it with you all for free.

Pope Francis has meant a great deal to so many people, religious and otherwise. He was a good dude who did his best to live humbly and share God’s love with the world. He was the first pope to take the name of St. Francis and emulate the saint’s life of poverty and service. For me, Pope Francis helped me feel God’s love in the midst of severe religious OCD, and his message of compassion and inclusion gives me hope for the future of the Catholic church. He will be very much missed.

I hope that crocheting a Pocket Pope will bring you comfort and make you smile like it did for me, and I like to think it would amuse Pope Francis too.

Free pattern available on my blog.

The real quote ends with “when necessary, use words.” And I think that’s exactly what Pope Francis did.