‘Tremendous world leader': NE Ohio priest visiting Rome speaks on Pope Francis' death
ROME (WJW) — A Northeast Ohio priest who traveled to Rome for Easter said he is still trying to process the passing of Pope Francis.
Father Eric Garris, Vocation Director for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, wanted to celebrate the holiday with friends in Italy. On Sunday, he served communion in St. Peter's Square and was among the tens of thousands to hear Pope Francis greet the crowd, saying, 'My beloved brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!'
Garris said the Pope's voice was quite labored, but there was an undeniable energy in the air.
'You know, there's a joy, there's a gravitas to the Pope, whether you're a person of faith or not. For me, he's my spiritual father. For many people, he's seen as a tremendous world leader. So, people flock to him,' said Garris.
US flags to fly at half-staff for Pope Francis
Later, Garris snapped a photo just feet from the pontiff as he passed by in an open-air popemobile, his first full procession through St. Peter's Square since surviving double pneumonia.
The next morning, while praying at the tomb of Saint John Paul II, Garris received a text message from another priest. It read, 'RIP Pope Francis.'
'It was just very strange to be there, and then, I immediately ran down to the tomb of Saint Peter. Pope Francis is a successor of Peter and the apostles, and so I just knelt down at the tomb of Peter and prayed for his successor, Francis. And then came out into the square, and was just kind of like, this is real,' said Garris.
When reflecting on Pope Francis' legacy, Garris said it's hard to sum up, but he believes the Pope's impact lies in his desire for everyone to feel welcome.
'He lived what he spoke, and especially when it came to being a pope of mercy and embracing those on the peripheries, letting the people know that the gospel is not just contained to those who are perfect and have it all together; that really speaks to people. Because I can tell you I'm a priest, I don't have it all together, and it's good to know that there's a pope who says Jesus can still love you,' Garris said.
Garris believes the timing of Pope Francis' passing on Easter Monday is no coincidence, and he noted that Pope John Paul II died just days after Easter in 2005.
'You know, it's one of those things where I don't believe we choose to die, but I would imagine yesterday was an incredibly joyful day for Pope Francis, where he was able to be with his people,' Garris said. 'And I imagine today was a joyful day for him as well, when he was welcomed into the kingdom to the words of hopefully so many who have gone before him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come share your master's joy.'
Diocese of Cleveland leaders, parishioners reflect on death of Pope Francis
Garris said cardinals will likely certify the pontiff's death on Tuesday, with Pope Francis presumably lying in state Wednesday through Friday. However, because Friday is a national holiday in Italy, the timeline could shift.
While the Vatican has yet to confirm arrangements, it's possible Pope Francis could be laid to rest this weekend.
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