Molly Pratt will remember Pope Francis for his loving and unifying legacy.
Pratt, a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, said from his first day as pope, Francis showed he was a pope of the people.
“He was not afraid to be a shepherd who got among his sheep and got dirty with his sheep,” she said.
Following the pope’s death Monday at age 88, local residents reflected on his legacy.
His mission was to be Christ in the world, Pratt said. Although sometimes his words would cause controversy in the media or in the church, the heart of his words was always to love like Christ loves, she said.
She hopes the next pope carries on that legacy because it’s what the world needs.
“Our world needs Catholics and all Christians to be people who are living our faith, who are loving as Christ loves, who aren’t just preaching doctrine, who aren’t just touting scripture, but who are living in the world and loving and serving and giving to others the way that Jesus did and taught us to do,” she said.
Pope Francis wasn’t afraid to talk with leaders from other faiths, helping to foster unity and find common ground. He would call out world leaders in support of peace and human justice and seek support for caring for those facing poverty.
Pratt said she hopes moving forward a new pope continues to be a champion for disenfranchised people.
Rose House has been to Vatican City and was there when Pope Benedict was announced, and got to see Pope John Paul II’s tomb.
House said she was in mourning as it’s always a big deal for the Catholic church after a pope’s death.
Pope John Paul II, who was the pope for most of her life, has always been her hero, she said. She’s hoping to see a pope with the same type of charisma, hope and faith like he had.
She said Pope Francis had some of those traits, as well, and said he always seemed very Christ-like in how he related to people. He seemed like an approachable pope.
“Being Catholic and believing – I mean this is the successor to Saint Peter,” she said. “This is the direct line back to Jesus Christ and we’re taught in the Catholic church and I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit will guide the selection of our next pope.”
The church gets what the church needs at this time in history, she said. It’s a sad day because of how long Frances was pope, she said.
“I followed him for his whole papacy, and I didn’t agree with everything, but I think he was a good man, he was a holy man and I think he truly, truly loved the poor,” she said.
It’s always hard to bury a pope after they’ve served as a spiritual leader for so long, she said.
Andi Bock said she shed many tears Monday morning upon hearing the news.
“His legacy is kindness, doesn’t matter what side of the fence you’re on,” she said.
He’s always made his message “hate the sin, love the sinner,” Bock said.
His openness to people is part of the legacy he’s leaving behind, she said.
He was loved, and he was also vilified by some, as is usually the case with any major force in the world, she said. There will always be haters, but also great admirers, she said.
The next pope needs great communication skills in addition to being prayerful, discerning and intelligent, she said.
He needs to be able to communicate with all people, not just Catholics but Muslims, Protestants and more, Bock said.
“Today is a beautiful day in that we’re celebrating his resurrection the day after Christ’s resurrection, so there’s a beauty in that but also he set the example for what humility and generosity is,” she said Monday.
