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Catholics worldwide are in mourning following the passing of Pope Francis, who is being remembered for his humility, compassion for the underprivileged, and dedicated efforts to rebuild faith in the church amid numerous scandals.
The pope passed away early Monday in Rome at the age of 88, just a day after Easter Sunday. His death heralds the conclusion of a 12-year papacy that began in 2013, following the unprecedented resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, who was the first pope to resign in nearly 600 years.
The Vatican confirmed arrangements for the pope’s body to be placed in a coffin later that evening, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell leading the rite in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta. The cardinal, originally from Dublin, is currently acting as head of the Vatican until a new pope is selected.
Gathered outside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, American tourists expressed their sorrow, including Doug Rand and his wife, Ruth Angelettia, who traveled from Gallatin Gateway, Montana. Rand highlighted the pope’s tireless dedication to helping the marginalized and vulnerable, noting his commitment to service “right up to the last day.”
Bianca Lott, a student studying abroad in Rome from Northfield, Minnesota, reflected on the significance of the pope’s death coinciding with Easter Monday, describing it as a “poetic” timing that brings both sadness and a sense of closure.
Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore recalled Pope Francis’ last appearance where he addressed the crowds in St. Peter’s Square on Easter, a bittersweet farewell to those he cherished and served wholeheartedly. “Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis showed deep compassion for the poor and marginalized, uplifting the voices of migrants, the sick, the elderly, and victims of injustice,” he remarked.
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan described Francis as an “extraordinary leader,” noting his humility and grace. Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Detroit mentioned that the world has lost a “powerful, prophetic, and loving voice,” expressing hope for the pope’s peaceful reward in the afterlife.
The Rev. Stephen P. Newton, executive director of the Association of United States Catholic Priests, shared that while they will miss the warmth and joy of Francis’ presence, his legacy will continue to motivate the church toward a more open and compassionate faith.
Opus Dei, a conservative Catholic organization, paid tribute on their website, expressing their prayers for the pope’s soul and acknowledging his tremendous dedication to serving both God and humanity.
In Argentina, where Francis served as archbishop in Buenos Aires, citizens gathered for a mass at the capital’s cathedral, and the government declared seven days of mourning following the loss of their homegrown pontiff, as reported by Reuters.
Many Latinos around the world also cherished his ability to communicate in Spanish. Hatciri Lopez, a lifelong Catholic from North Carolina, expressed how Francis’ messages resonated deeply with her, stating they touched her heart directly, inspiring hope.
In London, Martin Pendergast, secretary of LGBT Catholics Westminster, highlighted Francis’ progressive language and approach, noting that his acknowledgment of the word “gay” marked a significant shift within the Church compared to previous popes.
Across South Korea, leaders expressed their gratitude for Francis’ outreach to victims of past atrocities. Lee Yong-soo, a 96-year-old survivor of wartime sexual servitude, reflected positively on the pope’s legacy, believing he has found peace in the afterlife.
In Gaza, where a devastating conflict has resulted in significant casualties, Christians were profoundly touched by the pope’s habitual nightly phone calls offering comfort. The Rev. Gabriel Romanelli of Holy Family Church shared that the final call from the pontiff came the night before his passing, illustrating his unwavering support for the beleaguered community.
George Antone, from the Holy Family Church in Gaza, remarked on the profound loss felt in their community, stating they had lost a saint who inspired them to be courageous and resilient throughout their hardships.
Pope Francis was also known for his commitment to fostering dialogue with the predominantly Muslim Arab world. His historic 2021 visit to Iraq included meetings with key religious leaders and acknowledged his role in promoting peace and reconciliation across faiths.
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid lamented the loss of such a noble and humanitarian figure, recognizing the pope’s enduring impact on peace and interfaith understanding in his tribute on social media.
Contributions to this article include insights from Willem Marx, Anthony Kuhn, and Jane Arraf.
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