Reflections from clergy and religious in the Diocese of Erie
Recently, Bishop Lawrence Persico was interviewed by local news outlets in Erie, offering heartfelt reflections on the life and legacy of Pope Francis. As the universal Church honors his memory, we invite you to join us in prayerful reflection and gratitude for a shepherd who led with humility, compassion and unwavering faith.
Click the link below to view the news stories and share in this moment of remembrance:
• Erie News Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnBjskhwIiw
• Your Erie: https://www.yourerie.com/video/bishop-lawrence-persico-speaks-on-passing-of-pope-francis/10647651/
• GoErie: https://www.goerie.com/story/news/local/2025/04/21/pope-francis-remembered-erie-pennsylvania-catholics/83192510007/
The following priests are all the head of a parish named after St. Francis. Being his namesake, they were asked to give their thoughts on how Pope Francis has impacted their lives.
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 Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founders of the Jesuit order as he strived to affirm the unchanging truth of the Gospel through mercy, solidarity and listening.
Rev. Jason Feigh
St. Francis Xavier Parish, McKean
Pope Francis has impacted me by trying to make us realize what the “substance” of the faith is all about. The external trappings of the church has a lot of variance whereas the substance of the faith never changes. 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. Robert Horgas
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Clearfield
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 – and this caused some consternation in some more “encrusted” circles of church leadership. But we have so needed his words, his initiatives, his smile. Pope Francis has inspired a more responsive faith response to the many and more difficult issues of our day, the COVID pandemic among them. I enjoyed the Canonization Mass on May 15, 2022, in St. Peter Square more because he was there with us all.
Rev. John Jacquel
St. Francis of Assisi Church, Bradford
The following priest recently completed a pilgrimage to Rome, where he had the special opportunity to participate in praying the Rosary for Pope Francis while the Holy Father was hospitalized.
I vividly remember the moment Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio was announced as the new Pope. I was sitting in the auditorium at Saint Mark Catholic Center, looking up this unfamiliar Cardinal’s name on my iPad when Bishop Persico asked to borrow it to gather more information as well. From that moment, I began praying for our new Holy Father.
That’s the beautiful thing about Catholicism—we pray for our Pope. He is chosen by the grace of the Holy Spirit to lead the Church, and through his ministry, he continues to guide us in faith. I am deeply grateful for Pope Francis’ unwavering commitment to the Church and to each of us. No matter how big or small our role may seem in the life of the Church, he reminds us that we matter. His witness of humility, mercy, and love challenges us all to live the Gospel more fully.
Very Rev. Andrew Boyd, V.F.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Mercer