‘It's losing a family member': Canisius University reflects on the passing of Jesuit Pope Francis
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A day of celebration is being followed by a day of mourning for the Catholic Church, as Pope Francis passed away the day after Easter.
'We kind of consider Pope Francis part of our family, so it's losing a family member really,' said Father Fred Betti S.J., a Chaplain at Canisius University. 'In the midst of all the sadness, knowing that he's been sick, we kind of knew this might happen, but I also find it all joyful and wonderful that he was able to spend Easter with the people of God.'
Buffalonians reflect on Pope Francis' legacy: 'We should be building bridges, not walls'
Daily mass at Canisius University started with a recording of the bells that rang in Rome in honor of the passing of Pope Francis. Parishioners shared light, song and prayer as they remembered the late leader of the Catholic Church.
'It's difficult, it is sad, but in so many ways, he's left us this great legacy to remember him by,' said Steve Stoute, the president of the University. 'As a Jesuit Institution, our commitment to the path that Francis laid will remain strong for generations to come because he led like a Jesuit, and we are incredibly blessed to have had his leadership for the last many years.'
Faculty from the school shared how Pope Francis's leadership ran parallel with the school's beliefs.
'Finding God in all things and building a relationship with Christ, he was very big into that, and that's always been apart of what we do,' said Father Betti. 'He very much supported that our commitment to caring for the poor, the needy, those who are disadvantaged and learning how to do that with our gifts, our talents, very important here at Canisius.'
Vatican releases cause of death for Pope Francis
Father Fred Betti said that Pope Francis was one of many firsts; the first pope from the Americans, the first Argentinian, first pope to take the name of St. Frances Assisi, and the first of Jesuit faith.
'When Pope Francis was elected in 2013, you know, he always said 'a Bishop should smell like a sheep,'' said Father Betti. 'He was a true shepherd, he loved to be with people and I think that was a significant part of who he was as our pope. I think his style of being a leader was very different from the very beginning–he didn't want all the trappings of the roman pope, he lived differently, a simple setting, didn't want elaborate cars or elaborate things–he wanted to be with the people.'
Father Betti said that the school is planning more events to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis. The School's daily mass is open to the public at 12:05 p.m., and at 9:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Hope Winter is a reporter and multimedia journalist who has been part of the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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