In a heartfelt tribute, many mourners share their experiences and the impact Pope Francis had on their lives and the Church.
Pope Francis Remembered: A Modern Voice for Catholics Worldwide
Pope Francis Remembered: A Modern Voice for Catholics Worldwide
American Catholics and Protestants honor the legacy of Pope Francis, reflecting on his inclusive approach to the Church.
April 21, 2025 – Following the recent passing of Pope Francis, American Catholics, along with some members of the Protestant community, gathered to pay their respects and reflect on the profound influence he had on the Church. On the Monday after Easter, worshippers flocked to services across various cities, most visibly at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, where sorrow echoed among those remembering a pontiff who sought to modernize the Catholic Church and foster inclusivity.
Many had been closely monitoring the pope's health during his prolonged stay in the hospital, and there were collective sighs of relief when he appeared, offering blessings to the faithful during Easter celebrations. Chris Nealon, a New York City security worker who stopped to pray after his shift, expressed his grief, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to lose him. He reinforced the belief that we are all made in God’s image.” Nealon highlighted the pope's advocacy against anti-gay sentiments and his continuous calls for world peace.
Isabella Colon, a 25-year-old from Chicago, emphasized the pope’s global humanitarian efforts during her visit to Holy Name Cathedral. “He stood up for the children in Gaza and did so much for people around the world. Many of us looked up to him, and it’s incredibly sad to see him go,” she noted, reflecting on the shared mourning that resonated throughout the nation on this somber day.
Many had been closely monitoring the pope's health during his prolonged stay in the hospital, and there were collective sighs of relief when he appeared, offering blessings to the faithful during Easter celebrations. Chris Nealon, a New York City security worker who stopped to pray after his shift, expressed his grief, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to lose him. He reinforced the belief that we are all made in God’s image.” Nealon highlighted the pope's advocacy against anti-gay sentiments and his continuous calls for world peace.
Isabella Colon, a 25-year-old from Chicago, emphasized the pope’s global humanitarian efforts during her visit to Holy Name Cathedral. “He stood up for the children in Gaza and did so much for people around the world. Many of us looked up to him, and it’s incredibly sad to see him go,” she noted, reflecting on the shared mourning that resonated throughout the nation on this somber day.
