Wichita Falls church reacts to Pope Francis' death, leaves global impact and legacy
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — As tributes continue to pour in for Pope Francis following his death, local catholic church officials are reacting.
Toward the end of his life, Francis battled a host of health issues that left him weakened and often forced him to rely on a wheelchair or canes.
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Most recently, he struggled with pneumonia and bronchitis…and at times needed his aides to read his speeches because he was out of breath.
Francis was known as a reformer who rattled the traditionalists in the Catholic Church and inspired progressives by reaching out to the LGBTQ community and championing the rights of immigrants and the poor.
Father Jonathan Demma, with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, said the impact Pope Francis had on the entire world will be greatly missed.
'He definitely reflected the name that he chose in Saint Francis, bringing attention to the marginalized, the poor, the immigrants,' Demma said. 'He really brought to the world stage those who were marginalized and wanted to make sure that, especially the church, but Christians everywhere, were reaching out to all of our brothers and sisters.'
His successor will be chosen during a conclave, a gathering of cardinals who are charged with electing a new pope in strict seclusion at the Vatican.
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