Birmingham Catholics reflect on life of Pope Francis
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Members of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham are mourning the death of Pope Francis. He died at 88 years old Monday morning.
Bishop Steven Raica spoke at Monday's noon mass at the Cathedral of Saint Paul in downtown Birmingham.
He reminded parishioners that Francis touched the world in remarkable ways over the past 12 years as the head of the Catholic Church. Raica shared what Francis' motto was when he was ordained.
''I've been chosen and yet able to show mercy,' and mercy was one of his big themes,' Raica said.
During an interview with reporters on Monday following the mass, Raica talked about the Francis' compassion for the poor and concern for the environment.
Raica also shared one of the late pontiff's unique sayings:
'Like the church is a field hospital. It is this place where we gather the wounded.'
CBS 42 asked him about the mixed emotions many experienced Easter Monday.
'There's a sadness because we lose a pastor,' Raica said. 'We lose somebody that has been a point of reference for us, somebody who pointed out where Christ is showing up.'
'It reminds us during this Easter season, above all, that death doesn't have the final say, and that life, in the end, will be victorious,' Raica continued.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey authorizes flags to be flown at half-staff after Pope Francis dies
Those attending noon mass weighed in on the impact Pope Francis had on their lives.
'I'm going to miss his smile,' Brian Christine said. 'I'm going to miss that humble aspect of him who always, I think, he would lay down his life for the poor.'
'He spoke our language,' Ari Obregon said. 'He was so humble. He was something really special. I feel like he was the Pope that we needed for the Catholic Church at this moment.'
CBS 42 also stopped by EWTN Global Catholic Network studios Monday morning and observed the broadcast of a Spanish language special about Francis.
Colin Donovan, the vice president for theology at EWTN, talked about what the days ahead look like.
'There will be a period of nine days of mourning beginning on the day of the funeral, and then there will be a period such that preparing for the conclave to elect the next pope,' Donovan said.
David Bains, a professor of biblical and religious studies at Samford University, talked about Francis' lasting impact.
'Some of his greatest impact will be internationalizing the Vatican Curia, bringing people from all over the world to serve in the Vatican government and to be members of the College of Cardinals,' Bains said.
To read the entire statement released Monday by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, click here.
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