Local Parish Priest reflects on Pope Francis' death, legacy of compassion
Pope Francis was the head of the Catholic Church from 2013 until he died on Monday, April 21, leaving a legacy for people worldwide. He was the first Jesuit and Latin American to lead the Catholic Church.
There is one Catholic Parish in the city of Elmira, the Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Within the Parish, there are two churches, St. Patrick's Church and St. Mary's Church.
'What I loved about Pope Francis was his compassion and love for the poor and disadvantaged. I think that comes right out of the gospels,' said Scott Kubinski, Reverend at St. Mary's Church and St. Patrick's Church in Elmira.
According to Reverend Scott Kubinski, Pope Francis promoted social justice and worked to promote inclusivity within the Church, and his influence reached beyond the Vatican.
'He believed that everyone is loved by God and deserves respect. That's how I see the world myself. Jesus spoke to the marginalized and treated women who were viewed as property at the time, as equal,' said Kubinski.
Although Pope Francis has a legacy of social justice and advocacy for marginalized groups, some of his opinions sparked controversy.
'We live in such a divided world where people just don't agree. There is so much hate and distrust, but Francis was a light in our world because he had compassion and respected everyone,' said Scott.
The Catholic Church is now going to have to choose a new leader after the funeral of Pope Francis.
'They will have a Conclave of the world's Cardinals, and anyone under 80 can vote. There are roughly 140 people who will meet in Rome to talk and decide. Once the votes are cast, the new Pope will be elected,' said Kubinski.
The Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus plans to hold a precibus or Mass to honor the life of Pope Francis later this week.
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