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CBS News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Archdiocese of Baltimore celebrates life of Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church
The Archdiocese of Baltimore celebrated the life of Pope Francis Monday evening at The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. The evening mass included a homily from Archbishop William Lori, who used his 10-minute homily address to discuss the various accomplishments and legacy the late Pontiff leaves behind. "Pope Francis also taught us that an outward looking church will be a church that listens, a church that journeys together," Archbishop Lori said in his homily. Archbishop Lori also addressed the Pontiff's dedication to uplift the poor, oppressed, and marginalized, his priority to take care of the climate and environment, as well as his mission to create a more inclusive Catholic Church. "A voice of hope, a voice of compassion has been stilled we feel there are too few such voices in the world," Lori said. He said the Pope's church was an outward reaching institution that embraced challenges. The archbishop equated this to the 'Seek the City To Come' initiative, which consolidated and realigned the diocese. Lori said he viewed this as a challenge that is now "baring good fruit". The diocese worked to engage the community to create the plan he called a tribute to Pope Francis. Lori noted the Pope's position on the world stage as a leader, saying the Pontiff called for a new kind of politics. "Perhaps in death, his voice will be needed more than it was in life," Lori said during his homily. Finally, the archbishop spoke about the Pope's last public appearance on Easter Sunday in Vatican City, where the 'People's Pope' was able to speak to the public one last time and even drive through the city in the 'Pope Mobile' to greet the prisoners. After the service, the Archdiocese of Baltimore's leader shared more personal memories about Pope Francis. He said he found out about the Pontiff's death via text around 4 a.m. from a friend who was in Rome. The archbishop agreed with patrons who called it a shock, in spite of knowing the Pope was in frail health. He added that he believes the late Pope wrote the speech himself, guiding the archbishop as he reflected on Pope Francis' life. "I've spent the day reflecting on Pope Francis. In many ways, when I finally had a moment to sit down and put it together, it kind of wrote itself. In many ways, Pope Francis wrote the homily," Lori added. Most of all, the archbishop says he will remember the Pope's humanity, humor and humility. "He was a great leader on the world stage. He was the leader of more than a billion roman Catholics, but when you met him, he was a very down to earth good human being," Lori said. Pope Francis, known as 'The People's Pope,' left a lasting impact on Catholics around the world – including in Baltimore. Parishioners flocked to The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, gathering to remember the life of Pope Francis, as well as share in grief together. Despite Vatican City being thousands of miles from the cathedral, parishioners say they felt connected to Pope Francis. They say his legacy of acceptance and peace is something the world needs now more than ever before. "He's a great man," David Campbell from Hunts Valley added. "I've been a catholic for years, my whole life, and I miss him already." Parishioners say his legacy is one of acceptance that they hope lasts as a new pope is chosen. "Regardless of who you are and what you are, what color you are, that God doesn't see any of that. He only sees you as His child, an individual," Jerry Wooden of Baltimore city said. Kelly Neale of Catonsville spoke before the service saying Pope Francis has been an inspiration to her and without him, she wouldn't have returned to the Catholic Church. She hopes his legacy lives and that the church doesn't go back on the progress made. "I hope it lasts. I hope his commitment to the poor and to the environment and women in the church and the open doors, both that the church coming out and the people going in, will continue," Neale said. Now, the Church is in a nine-day period of mourning. The Pope will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica before his funeral. Then, the conclave will begin as the cardinals elect a new Pope, which parishioners in Maryland say they will be watching closely.
Irish Examiner
21-04-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
An Irishwoman in Rome: Italy mourns a man who spent his papacy consorting with the poor, prisoners, and sinners
The Pope is dead. The news was given Urbi et Orbi — to the City and the World — by his Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, reading the official Vatican statement in a soft voice with a strong Irish accent. As an Irishwoman in Italy, that small auditory detail made this profound event immediately more affecting — the simplicity of the statement and its delivery by Cardinal Farrell, in keeping with the simplicity of Papa Francesco's reign — this ordinary, extraordinary man who spent his papacy, not in pontifical silks or ermine or satin, but in an anorak consorting with the poor, prisoners and sinners, his final days wearing a poncho. This morning, when I went for my walk at 7am, he was alive. When I returned along the ancient road that centuries of pilgrims took to Rome, and on which the miraculous image of the Madonna of Impruneta was carried in times of war, plague and famine, he was dead. Along the route, chirrupy sparrows fed their young. Blackbirds admonished their new-flyers for staying too near the ground. In the midst of the death that would be felt across the world, there was life; small, innocent, representing hope in, and for, the future. They ate, they flew, unaware that in Rome, Papa Francesco was dead. This morning, on that old road to Rome, hope was the thing with feathers. A nun holds an image of Pope Francis near St Peter's square, after the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican on Monday morning Pictures. Reuters/Guglielmo Mangiapane As news spread around the neighbourhood, Italians came out to their doors, onto their balconies, terraces — some had rosaries, others watching the breaking news on their phones or sharing it with friends and family. It seemed we all wanted company, solidarity. The agreement was general: yesterday at the Easter services he looked hollowed out, had neither voice nor breath for the blessing that turned out to be his last. On TV, as I flick through channels, the talking heads seem to think the same: his surprise trip among the crowds in the Pope Mobile, though in his last agony, was his addio to the people he loved, the people he was part of, as a brother, a father, a friend. Church bells are to ring in mourning throughout Italy. The first bells for the dead tolling in St Peter's this morning brought chills, the darkness of their tone reflecting the sorrow of all gathered in the square or watching on TV. President Sergio Mattarella, whose brother Piersanti was assassinated by the Mafia in 1980, led the nation in respect, love, mourning. For many, it is he and Papa Francesco who represent the best and deepest qualities of Italy, of humanity itself. Papa Francesco died on Pasquetta or Lunedi del'Angelo named in honour of the angel who appeared to the women at the tomb, telling them Christ was no longer there, but risen. Today, as was announced in Rome, Jorge Bergoglio, Pope Francis, Papa Francesco loved by Italians — believers and non-believers — as theirs, above all others, has returned to the house of his Father, to the arms of the risen Christ. Alleluia.
Irish Examiner
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
President Higgins leads Irish tributes to the late Pope Francis
President Michael D Higgins has led tributes from Ireland following the death of Pope Francis, remembering him as a spiritual leader of profound humility and a champion of global ethics in the face of modern challenges. The Vatican confirmed the Pope's death this morning. He had been recovering from pneumonia in recent weeks. In a statement, President Higgins described Pope Francis as a figure of "warmth" and 'unique humility,' whose voice served as a "consistent invocation of a shared humanity." The President commended the late pontiff for speaking out on "vital issues of our time" including global hunger, poverty, climate change, and justice. "These issues I had the privilege of discussing at length with Pope Francis across our five meetings over the course of his papacy," the President said. He also acknowledged Pope Francis' role in addressing sensitive topics within the Catholic Church, including the child abuse scandal, attitudes toward women, and the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. "During his visit to Ireland, Pope Francis spoke of the scandal of child abuse, including in the Church, and its consequences for victims and families," President Higgins said. "On such matters, and on others such as attitudes towards women and those of the LGBTQ+ community within the Church, Pope Francis sought to play a positive role. "I recall at the end of our meetings he would say of his work on such issues, 'it is very difficult', as he asked for and offered prayers. It is important that the steps he took are built upon as they constitute a source of hope in the years to come." Peace and Solidarity Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Pope Francis' enduring legacy is one of "peace, reconciliation, and solidarity," and noted the Pope's powerful global influence during his long and distinguished papacy. Pope Francis as he arrives in the Phoenix Park in his Pope Mobile. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/ "He spoke out for the poor, the marginalised, and the oppressed," the Taoiseach said, highlighting Pope Francis' advocacy for refugees, climate action, and global equality. Offering condolences on behalf of the Government and the Irish people, Mr Martin described the pontiff as a "champion of justice in the modern world" and recalled his warm reception during the 2018 World Meeting of Families in Ireland. "Many will also remember Pope Francis' expression of pain and shame about historic child abuse in the Catholic Church and his outrage about the failure of Church authorities to adequately address these appalling crimes," he added. Pope's Teachings Will Endure Tánaiste Simon Harris described Pope Francis as a "remarkable figure" whose influence "transcended the Vatican" and whose moral leadership guided many through uncertain times. In his tribute, Mr Harris praised the Pope's continued relevance on pressing issues such as poverty, migration, and refugee rights. "Pope Francis bore his illness with great dignity and courage," he said. "We find strength in his message of hope, mercy, and compassion, which will continue to inspire us to build a better world for all." He extended condolences to the Catholic community worldwide, the College of Cardinals, and all who mourn the loss of a globally respected spiritual leader.
