Catholics across San Diego gathered in grief on Monday following the announcement of Pope Francis’ death at 7:35 a.m. Rome time at the Vatican.
The pope passed away a day after Easter at the age of 88, as confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a Vatican spokesman who noted that the Holy Father had ‘returned to the home of the Father.’
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Pham, the administrator of the Diocese of San Diego, expressed deep sorrow in a released statement, highlighting Pope Francis’ profound commitment to marginalized communities.
‘He cared deeply for all of us, especially for those living on the edges of society,’ Pham stated.
The bishop recognized the pope’s courage in addressing social issues, reiterating Francis’ call for people to embody God’s love and mercy through action and respect for one another.
Pham continued, emphasizing, ‘The Pope had a special affection for our border community, and always expressed concern for the immigrants who journeyed through it.’
Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO at Catholic nonprofit Father Joe’s Villages, described Francis as a beacon of humility and compassion for vulnerable populations around the world.
‘We celebrate his lifetime of service to the Lord and to all of humanity,’ Vargas remarked.
‘Let us all live by his example in serving our neighbors without judgment and always with the deepest love. May Pope Francis bask in the loving embrace of our Lord.’
Former San Diego Cardinal Robert McElroy, now archbishop of Washington, conveyed his admiration for Pope Francis, remarking on the pontiff’s emphasis on love, which invigorated his advocacy for the marginalized—immigrants, the unborn, war victims, and protection of the environment.
Political leaders also paid tribute to the pope.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria took to social media platform X to express, ‘San Diego joins the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis— a humble leader, a voice for progress, and a champion for the vulnerable around the world.’
He further stated that his legacy of compassion and hope would continue to impact lives.
Representative Mike Levin, whose district encompasses parts of San Diego and Orange counties, acknowledged Francis’s significant humanitarian contributions during his papacy, particularly in dealing with climate change.
‘As pope, he made tremendous humanitarian strides, including waging groundbreaking efforts to address climate change,’ Levin wrote on X.
Francis, who faced health challenges during his later years due to chronic lung disease, had previously undergone surgery to remove part of a lung.
He had been hospitalized on February 14 due to a respiratory episode that escalated into double pneumonia, ultimately spending 38 days in treatment.
His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, where he blessed the congregation in St. Peter’s Square while seated in a wheelchair.
Ascending to the papacy on March 13, 2013, Francis was the first pope from the Americas, capturing the world’s attention following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
His tenure of 12 years notably repositioned the Catholic Church, emphasizing humility amid various scandals and charges of indifference within the institution.
Throughout his papacy, Francis was known for his outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and his pushback against traditionalist factions, prompting some friction within conservative circles.
He led the Church during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, urging followers to reassess societal frameworks that he believed separated the wealthy from the impoverished.
‘We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented,’ he stated during an address in March 2020 to an empty St. Peter’s Square.
His message continually emphasized the necessity for unity and mutual support during trying times.
City News Service contributed to this article.
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