April 21, 2025, 1:41 p.m. ET
In a moment of deep reflection and sorrow, people around the globe gathered to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. As church bells tolled in cities like Vatican City, Manila, and Paris, individuals of all faiths came together to celebrate a leader who championed progressive reform.
World leaders expressed their condolences, recalling the late pontiff's dedication to advocating for the impoverished and marginalized. Francis urged a meaningful dialogue on pressing issues such as the climate crisis and the suffering in war-torn areas like Gaza. He also pushed for inclusivity within the Catholic Church, striving to confront its historical challenges surrounding sexual abuse.
"I am not a believer, but his words resonated deeply with me," shared Susanna Almonti, 60, as she mournfully remembered his compassionate spirit at St. Peter's Basilica.
The reaction to his passing has been filled with heartfelt tributes, with many poignant scenes captured across various locations:
- Reverend Canon Grzegorz Stasiak arranged flowers at a Brooklyn church, reflecting an outpouring of love.
- In South Korea, Cecilia Kim, 65, wept as she remembered the last Easter service led by Francis.
- Emotional gatherings unfolded in places like Naples, where posters expressed gratitude and mourning in equal measure.
As the world contemplates the vastness of Pope Francis's legacy, discussions about his successor have begun, revealing both the challenges and hopes for the future of the Catholic Church.
In a moment of deep reflection and sorrow, people around the globe gathered to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. As church bells tolled in cities like Vatican City, Manila, and Paris, individuals of all faiths came together to celebrate a leader who championed progressive reform.
World leaders expressed their condolences, recalling the late pontiff's dedication to advocating for the impoverished and marginalized. Francis urged a meaningful dialogue on pressing issues such as the climate crisis and the suffering in war-torn areas like Gaza. He also pushed for inclusivity within the Catholic Church, striving to confront its historical challenges surrounding sexual abuse.
"I am not a believer, but his words resonated deeply with me," shared Susanna Almonti, 60, as she mournfully remembered his compassionate spirit at St. Peter's Basilica.
The reaction to his passing has been filled with heartfelt tributes, with many poignant scenes captured across various locations:
- Reverend Canon Grzegorz Stasiak arranged flowers at a Brooklyn church, reflecting an outpouring of love.
- In South Korea, Cecilia Kim, 65, wept as she remembered the last Easter service led by Francis.
- Emotional gatherings unfolded in places like Naples, where posters expressed gratitude and mourning in equal measure.
As the world contemplates the vastness of Pope Francis's legacy, discussions about his successor have begun, revealing both the challenges and hopes for the future of the Catholic Church.
