I don’t know who wrote it but to him or her, gratitude. This is a beautiful story, I’d like to weave into a
“bro Fred’s Reflection” about dogs and how loyal they often are.
Pope Francis and his dog
My comments are underneath “The Vatican is no stranger to silence” found on Google & Facebook,
quoted below:
The Vatican is no stranger to silence. Its halls echo with centuries of whispered prayers and sacred pauses... But this silence was different. It was the quiet moment just before something precious slips away. Pope Francis, the man who redefined humility and embraced the forgotten, was in his final moments. There were no grand farewells or dramatic goodbyes, he never wanted spectacle, only sincerity.
His wish was quiet, simple, and deeply human: "Bring Estabon," he whispered, a gentle smile appearing briefly on his lips. Estabon wasn't bred for glory; he carried no pedigree, no royal lineage. He was just a street dog, found shivering and scarred near the Vatican walls years ago. Pope Francis had quietly rescued him one morning, seeing himself reflected in the dog's weary eyes. Pope Francis had knelt that day not before important dignitaries or crowds, but before this frightened, forgotten creature. With a gentle hand and whispered comfort, he offered bread and patience, and Estabon chose to stay.
Over the years, Estabon became more than a companion. He became the pope’s quiet confidant, his shadow beneath olive trees, his warmth during lonely nights. Estabon never demanded or expected anything he simply stayed loyal and present. In those final sacred hours, Vatican guards stepped aside, their usual rules forgotten because of the power of unconditional love. Estabon padded softly through corridors where no stray dog had walked before, until he reached the bedside of his beloved friend. In a simple room lit only by the soft glow of candles, Estabon rested his head on the edge of the bed, just as he had beneath the garden’s olive branches countless times before.
“You never left, did you?” Pope Francis murmured, his hand gently touching the dog's familiar fur.
Estabon did not move, did not whimper...he simply stayed. Quietly and faithfully, as the Holy Father’s breaths grew softer, matching the dog’s calm rhythm.
When Pope Francis finally passed, there was no crown on his head, no golden decorations only a simple wooden cross and a dog curled loyally at his feet. Witnesses whispered through tears: this was love in its purest form, silent, unwavering, and lasting beyond death.
Estabon stayed behind, a guardian of a legacy deeper than titles or fame. A humble dog who taught the world that true love asks for nothing, needs no applause, seeks no spotlight, it simply remains loyal and present.
I could not help but cry when I heard this story about Estabon, the Pope's loyal dog, and Pope Francis. So next time you see a stray dog, remember Estabon. Remember that sometimes, angels come with four paws and wagging tails, sent not to preach, but to teach us how to love quietly and forever. (unquote)
My Reflection on the above story about Pope Francis and his loyal friend, Estabon:
When I was a little kid, I had a Dachshund, and he was my best, and for many years, my only friend (post WWII years). This little guy went by the name “Flappie” (I was born in Holland, and that name alludes to his long “flapping” ears). I would have given my life for Flappie, and I am sure the same was true for him but sadly, he developed tapeworm and was put down. I remember I cried for hours. I had lost my only friend. (I was 6 or 7 at the time).
Our relationship with God needs to be similar, an unwavering love. I learned about that love in places where there also was great silence: monasteries. I was a monk (Following the Rule of St. Augustine) for almost 5 years, and before that 10 months in the OFM Capuchins (1968-9), and 15 months in the OFM Franciscan Order (1996-7); My total time to date in the Secular Franciscan Order is 32+ years, and most of those years I’ve been alone, loving God and the silence of my soul. I have never been lonely: Our Lord is with me, and I’m happy.
I hope that the time that is to come will be in Heaven. I did it all for Him.
For Pope Francis we pray: Eternal rest grant unto Him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May His soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
(Prayer adapted)
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
4/28/25
