Local Catholic churches mourn the passing of Pope Francis
BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) – Pope Francis' passing has left many local Catholics in mourning.
Pope Francis dies at 88
Father Leonard Smith of Beckley's St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church told 59News this news was shocking, but also not surprising at the same time.
This is because Pope Francis spent quite some time battling chronic lung disease and more recently double pneumonia. He was recently hospitalized for 38 days.
Pope Francis died at the age of 88, making his last appearance on Easter Sunday.
'I think one of the things that he did so well was to encourage us to go outside to the peripheries or the margins, to especially the people who are hurting and suffering in various ways,' said Father Smith.
George McIntire is a parishioner at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in White Sulphur Springs. As soon as he heard the news, McIntire went to his church to meditate for the entire morning.
'We know our pope had been ill for a long time, but he made it to Easter. We should all be thankful for that. He is going to be with the Lord,' said McIntire.
Easter celebrations will continue for the next fifty days following Easter Sunday, including events like Divine Mercy Sunday and Pentecost.
Even though Pope Francis died the day following Easter Sunday, Father Smith said this will not put a damper on these celebrations.
Pope Francis led the church with humility and simplicity
'I mean, certainly it is a time of mourning, but at the same time, it is the message of Easter is precisely the message that we need to hear. Christ has risen. He is the first fruit. We are called to follow him into eternal glory. The resurrection is the most important message for us to focus on in times of earthly loss,' said Father Smith.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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