Cover Story (May, 2025)
05/05/2025
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, leaving a legacy of humility, compassion and an unwavering commitment to those on the margins of society. This vision started with his first public appearance as pope on March 13, 2013, when he wore a simple white cassock instead of the traditional red velvet mozzetta. Pope Francis consistently made similar gestures of humility throughout his 12-year papacy.
Pope Francis dedicated himself to spreading a message of mercy and love throughout his pontificate. His landmark encyclical Laudato Si’ called the world to care for creation, emphasizing that environmental degradation disproportionately harms people experiencing poverty. His push for synodality invited a more inclusive and listening church, while his outreach to the marginalized —through symbolic acts and practical services — embodied the heart of Christ’s teachings.
Pope Francis said in Evangelii Gaudium, “There is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor.” Whether washing the feet of prisoners or launching initiatives like the Vatican laundromat for the homeless, he made that bond visible to the world. His leadership inspired unity, compassion and hope —laying a foundation for a church that walks humbly and serves boldly.
LIFE AND LEGACY
Pope Francis dedicated his papacy to spreading the message of mercy, compassion and love. From his work with the marginalized to his efforts in global peacebuilding, his leadership embodied the very essence of Christ’s teachings. His focus on caring for the poor, championing environmental stewardship and fostering unity within the Catholic Church continues to inspire us all.
KEY TEACHINGS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
• Mercy and Compassion – Pope Francis’ emphasis on God’s boundless mercy transformed how the Catholic Church engages with the faithful.
• Care for Creation – His encyclical Laudato Si’ called for urgent action to protect our common home.
• Synodality and Inclusion – He championed a more inclusive and listening Catholic Church through synodal dialogues.
• Social Justice and Peace – Advocating for the dignity of every person, the Holy Father encouraged dialogue among nations and faiths to foster peace and justice.
NOTABLE FACTS
• He’s the first pope from the Southern hemisphere and the Americas.
• He’s the first Jesuit priest to become a pope.
• Before becoming a priest, he was a chemical technician.
• He’s the first pope to be named as Time Magazine’s Person of the Year (2013).
• He’s the first non-European pope in more than 1,000 years.
VISIT TO THE U.S.
In September 2015, Pope Francis made a historic visit to the United States. Over the course of his journey, Pope Francis visited Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia, addressing Congress, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly and processing through Central Park. The Holy Father celebrated Mass with thousands of faithful people at the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
The Diocese of Erie was well represented in Philadelphia, including Bishop Lawrence Persico who shared a part of his experience in a special edition of Faith magazine:
“When I got to the altar, I looked out and there was this sea of people for as far as you could see. It was just amazing. Pope Francis was very pastoral. Seeing the way his visit to the United States moved people has been tremendous.” – The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, bishop of Erie, Faith magazine (September 2015)
REFLECTIONS
THE MOST REV. LAWRENCE T. PERSICO, Bishop of Erie
The life and death of Pope Francis mark a profound chapter in the story of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis was a beacon of hope in troubled times, a voice for the voiceless and a tireless advocate for the dignity of every human person. He proclaimed 2025 a Holy Year of Jubilee, aptly themed “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Through his teachings, writings and personal witness, Pope Francis demonstrated this hope by showing us the path of discipleship—one that is rooted in prayer and nourished by the sacraments. He constantly reminded us of our call to be instruments of peace and mercy.
Pope Francis was a pastor first, modeling simplicity and compassion. His emphasis on synodality invited us to have meaningful dialogue, in which we could listen deeply and discern with the Holy Spirit.
As we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for the hope he rekindled in so many. May his vision of a church that journeys to the margins continue to shape us—and may eternal light shine upon him.
THE FOLLOWING PRIESTS ARE ALL PASTORS OF A PARISH NAMED AFTER ST. FRANCIS. THEY WERE INVITED TO GIVE THEIR THOUGHTS ON HOW POPE FRANCIS HAS MADE AN IMPACT.
REV. JASON FEIGH
St. Francis Xavier Parish, McKean
“Pope Francis led how he began in prayer, persistence of preaching the Gospel, and putting the Gospel into action. His leadership was influenced by the example of St. Francis Xavier and St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, as he strived to affirm the unchanging truth of the Gospel through mercy, solidarity and listening.”
REV. ROBERT HORGAS
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Clearfield
“Pope Francis exemplifies our need for the true faith in living our lives while being cautious of those external trappings that can distract us from our relationship with Jesus Christ and his people.”
REV. JOHN JACQUEL
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Bradford
“From the first moment I saw Pope Francis emerge overlooking St. Peter’s Square, with my office manager, Marilyn Mead, I could tell everything had changed and for the better. His priorities are aligned so well with our Lord’s.”
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