Portlanders pray for past and future Popes
At the Chapel of Christ the Teacher on the University of Portland campus Tuesday, parishioners filled the pews to remember Pope Francis and to pray for whoever the next one will be.
Conclave to elect new pope starts May 7 as cardinals get to know one another
'It's our way of aiding people in their journey in the afterlife,' said Fr. Tim Weed, the director of campus ministry at U-P.
During the 12 years of his papacy, Francis advocated for migrants, the poor, the marginalized. His impact on the faithful was immense.
'Just to remember that human dignity exists in each of them and just all the people that are around us,' parishioner Denise Ramsden told KOIN 6 News.
'It's easy to say 'love your neighbor,'' parishioner Tshombe Brown said. 'But showing up is what solidarity really means, being there for one another — that's what love, radical love is.'
in mourning and at a crossroads. The conclave that begins May 7 will decide if the church will continue the path Francis paved.
For Mary Jensen, a U-P junior who saw Pope Francis on Easter in 2024, the grief is personal. She hopes the cardinals choose a leader with the same spirit.
'I do hope they are like Pope Francis but of course I believe God will provide and give us who we need for our next pope,' Jensen said.
The talk about Pope Francis becoming a saint — someone recognized for living a virtuous life with miracles believed to happen through their prayers — is growing.
Fr. Tim said that answer will come in time.
'If God decides to reveal to us through miracles, through prayers, that Pope Francis is in heaven,' the priest said, 'then, yeah, let's make him a saint.'
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