Brooklyn Center Catholic Church Reacts to Death of Pope Francis
The Vatican announced Monday morning that Pope Francis died at the age of 88 following a series of health problems.
A statement released by the Holy See described Pope Francis as a man who taught people “to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”
On Monday, a Brooklyn Center priest reflected on the Pope’s 12-year legacy.
“The first thing comes to mind is his care for the poor,” said Fr. John Schmidt, pastor of St. Alphonsus in Brooklyn Center. :Coming from Buenos Aires as Archbishop, I think he had a real connection with people and understanding their plight and how to help them. His charisma as a Jesuit, I think, was a great legacy that formed him, but also informed how he would minister as the as the Pope. I think that’s what he’ll leave behind.”
At St. Alphonsus, Fr. Schmidt put up two photos of Pope Francis to commemorate his death — one in the sanctuary and one in the vestibule.
A photo of Pope Francis in the vestibule of St. Alphonsus Church in Brooklyn Center.
The church’s plan is to have those photos remain on display through the official nine-day mourning period.
Fr. Schmidt shared what he’d like to see in the Pope’s successor.
“I think to follow the legacy of Pope Francis as one who would definitely look at people first, you know. And say like, how do we accompany you? What’s been your experience of being a Christian, being a Catholic? How do we understand your story? I would like to see a Pope begin with that,” said Fr. Schmidt. “I like what Pope Francis did in terms of continuing reforming the church and looking at ways that, how do we continue to grow in our Christian faith, but also how do we relate to the world which is so vast, so changing, so diverse; but one who’s open to dialogue, definitely.”
The papal conclave to elect a new pope will begin about 15 to 20 days following his death.
