Catholic Diocese of Richmond mourns passing of Pope Francis
RICHMOND (WAVY) – and the Catholic Diocese of Richmond are mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease, passed away Monday morning at the age of 88. He made his last public appearance Easter Sunday, where he blessed thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square.
Complete Coverage: The Passing of Pope Francis
Bishop Knestout will offer Mass Monday at noon at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond. The diocese said all are welcome.
Bishop Knestout released the following statement after learning of the Pope's passing.
'Along with the faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, I mourn the passing of Pope Francis with great sadness and offer prayers to Our Lord for the happy repose of his soul.
As I reflect on his pontificate, I marvel at the way each Holy Father makes a unique imprint on the papacy and the Catholic Church. Pope Francis' charisms were his simple, conversational style, and his charitable efforts in reaching out to those on the peripheries – the poor, vulnerable, and alienated. His emphasis on synodality has taught us that by listening attentively to one another, we can love as Christ in a fractured and polarized world.
I was blessed to meet Pope Francis three times – most recently in Rome last October during a pilgrimage made by the parishioners of the Basilica of St. Andrew, Roanoke. During each of our encounters, the pope greeted me with a gentle, friendly smile, and just a few words in English: 'Pray for me!'
I assured him then of our prayers. We continue to pray now for this devoted shepherd of the Church. We commend his soul to the care of Christ, the Good Shepherd. Guided by Pope Francis' pastoral example, may the Church continually make progress in charity, imitating more perfectly Christ's merciful love in all we think, say, and do.'
Bishop Barry C. Knestout
In 2015, Pope Francis made a visit to the United States. WAVY News 10 traveled to DC for his trip there. Many from Hampton Roads will never forget the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Links to video reports from WAVY's 2015 coverage of Pope Francis' visit to DC:
Pope Francis arrives in USVa. Beach family has close connection with Pope's latest Saint
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