Pope Francis remembered locally as champion of the downtrodden
Pope Francis will be well remembered for his commitment to the poor and as a champion of the downtrodden, local Catholics said Monday as news of his death spread.
"I love him because he did a lot to the church, especially taking the church back to the very original spirit of what Christian spirit is," said Rev. Theophane Antony, pastor of St. Francis Church. "That is, the church must be for the poor and church must be a voice for the voiceless, for the marginalized, the vulnerable."
Antony said Francis stood up for oppressed people and through his writings and speeches left a legacy emphasizing a commitment to justice. He cited the book "The Joy of the Gospel" and the letter, "Laudato si" or "On Care for Our Common Home" about protecting the environment as examples of Francis' championing of marginalized people.
"I think in the writings of Pope Francis is the true tradition of the church, which is faithful to love, compassion, justice and peace that Jesus talked about," Antony said.
Many parishes had given space for Francis' writings, Antony said, which was something Antony noted he intends to do locally.
"How I can honor Pope Francis and his legacy is to take up his teachings, his guidance, and discuss with the parishioners and then go into actions already throughout the world."
Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Diocese of Fresno said in a statement Francis will be remembered for his compassion.
"Pope Francis' unwavering spirit of service has left a profound and lasting impact on the life of our church," Brennan stated. "May his example of compassion and outreach continue to inspire us all. I ask that you join me in prayer: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him."
Speaking with reporters in Bakersfield, diocese spokesman Chandler Marquez said the process to elect a new pope will begin within the next 20 days. How long it ultimately takes is unknown — the longest papal election took years, from 1268 to 1271. Marquez said Cardinals will take their time in selecting a new pontiff.
Francis was known to be a progressive pope, championing outreach to the LGBT community. Marquez said all Catholics can respect his leadership.
"Pope Francis was known to be a progressive pope," Marquez said. "No matter how you look at that, he was always unwavering in his leadership and his stance, and I think that's something every Catholic can take away from his papacy."
Francis will leave behind a legacy of service, Marquez said, and will be remembered for his outreach even to those outside the church.
"His legacy and lasting impact on the life of the church really is his unwavering spirit, service to the people, even people outside of the church," Marquez said. "The pope was a very relatable person on a lot of levels. He was the first pope from the Americas, from South America, so I think just to have that relatability, a man of the people, the guy who like to take the bus and the train, just like normal people."
According to the Holy See, in his last wishes Francis requested he be interred at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus," the letter said.
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