As tributes pour in from around the globe, Pope Francis’ impact as a reformer and advocate for the marginalized is profoundly recognized
Remembering Pope Francis: A Global Outpouring of Grief and Celebration of Legacy
Remembering Pope Francis: A Global Outpouring of Grief and Celebration of Legacy
The world unites in mourning and homage to a progressive pontiff who championed change
As the news of Pope Francis's passing reverberated globally on Monday, church bells tolled in solemn tribute from the Vatican to Manila and Paris. The Argentine pontiff, who reignited hope and pushed for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, died at the age of 88. His passing elicited heartfelt responses from Catholics, non-Catholics, and world leaders, reflecting on his legacy of compassion and advocacy for the impoverished.
Francis was known for his commitment to urgent issues such as the migrant crisis, climate change, and the plight of civilians in conflict zones like Gaza. Throughout his papacy, he also sought to create a more inclusive church environment and grappled with the church's ongoing sexual abuse crisis. "I am not a believer, but what Francis said always touched my soul," remarked Susanna Almonti, a 60-year-old visitor at St. Peter’s Basilica, who expressed her grief over the pontiff’s death.
In cities worldwide, including Seoul, South Korea, and Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, masses were held to honor his memory. Among the mourners, 65-year-old Cecilia Kim shared her sadness, stating, “The pope even completed the Easter Service before the last moment.” Various scenes of mourning emerged, with people lighting candles and praying, underlining Francis’s global impact beyond Catholic audiences.
In Buenos Aires, where Francis worshiped as a youth, parishioners gathered in deep reflection, while flowers were arranged at St. Rose of Lima Church in Brooklyn. As the Catholic Church prepares for the next steps in naming a successor, many continue to celebrate Francis’s legacy as a beacon of hope and humanity that transcended religious boundaries. Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi spoke to the media about how Francis’ compassionate approach connected with people from all walks of life, emphasizing how he will be remembered for standing firmly with the marginalized and advocating for peace.
Francis was known for his commitment to urgent issues such as the migrant crisis, climate change, and the plight of civilians in conflict zones like Gaza. Throughout his papacy, he also sought to create a more inclusive church environment and grappled with the church's ongoing sexual abuse crisis. "I am not a believer, but what Francis said always touched my soul," remarked Susanna Almonti, a 60-year-old visitor at St. Peter’s Basilica, who expressed her grief over the pontiff’s death.
In cities worldwide, including Seoul, South Korea, and Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, masses were held to honor his memory. Among the mourners, 65-year-old Cecilia Kim shared her sadness, stating, “The pope even completed the Easter Service before the last moment.” Various scenes of mourning emerged, with people lighting candles and praying, underlining Francis’s global impact beyond Catholic audiences.
In Buenos Aires, where Francis worshiped as a youth, parishioners gathered in deep reflection, while flowers were arranged at St. Rose of Lima Church in Brooklyn. As the Catholic Church prepares for the next steps in naming a successor, many continue to celebrate Francis’s legacy as a beacon of hope and humanity that transcended religious boundaries. Reverend Monsignor Walter R. Rossi spoke to the media about how Francis’ compassionate approach connected with people from all walks of life, emphasizing how he will be remembered for standing firmly with the marginalized and advocating for peace.
