Pope Francis Has Died. Thoughts? What is your initial reaction to the news?

Question

Here in Italy People feel very deeply about this. And I was just wondering what the world thinks about the Pope overall?

Lliam · Accepted Answer

Time moves on.

Having been born in 1954, I've witnessed
Pius XII (1939-58)
St. John XXIII (1958-63)
St. Paul VI (1963-78)
John Paul I (1978)
St. John Paul II (1978-2005)
Benedict XVI (2005-2013)
Francis (2013-2025).

I was raised Catholic, attended Catholic elementary school, and was an altar boy.
I remember the impact of the Second Vatican Council, (1962–65), 21st ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church, announced by Pope John XXIII on January 25, 1959, as a means of spiritual renewal for the church and as an occasion for Christians separated from Rome to join in a search for Christian unity.
It concluded during the leadership of Pope Paul VI.

It happened during a time of great cultural change. The post-WWII "boomer" generation was coming of age. JFK, the civil rights movement, women's liberation, rock and roll, the folk music period, anti war protests, hippies, ...

As a result of the ecumenical council, the Catholic church liberalized a lot. Churches turned their altars around so that the priests faced the congregation during mass. They started having "folk masses". They modernized the artwork inside churches. Nuns no longer had to wear habits.

I got away from religion decades ago, and the Pope is rather irrelevant to my life, but I still have a soft spot for Catholics (not so much The Church). Movies like The Bells of St. Mary's, Angels With Dirty Faces, Going My Way, and Lilies of the Field warm my heart and make me feel nostalgic.

LifeHitMeandRan · Accepted Answer

I'm Non-Denominational so it doesn't really have much affect on me. I'm sorry for the loss to his loved ones and those who cared deeply for him. Also I pray he is in Heaven instead of the other alternative. Beyond that, he's just another stranger to me.

Also, the idea of the Pope reeks of idolatry to me. Unless I am missing something, the Catholic faith treats the Pope's words as infallible and final. The Bible is VERY CLEAR that God is a triune God consisting of God The Father (he has many names), Jesus Christ the Messiah and Son of God, and the Holy Spirit.

According to the Bible (which is the basis of ALL Christian faith, Catholic or Protestant), Idolatry is a sin. And elevating the Pope to be the end all be all of Bible interpretation seems to contradict what God tells us in the Bible when the Pope and any clergy are supposed to be nothing more than humans spreading the Gospel.

I do not say all this to be mean. And I really do feel bad for the loss of such an amazing man. I am saying this as a warning to be cautious about elevating the Pope above the station the Bible intends any religious leader to be. It is ok to mourn the loss of the Pope, but in that mourning, be careful not to treat him as more than a human.

EmmaMary · Accepted Answer

Although I am not remotely religious, I'm naturally still saddened to hear and see of his passing.

He was only shown on the news last evening here in the UK, struggling to say I believe just four words, and then doing a parade in the "Popemobile".

It's almost like he knew his time was up, and this was to be his final farewell.

How about your goodself @thegreenyogi xxx

Paige90 · Accepted Answer

I hate for anyone to die but I disagreed with him on most of his beliefs.

AviatorTom · Answer

For me, his death is a surprise, unexpected after his recent recovery. It is sad, but I also know that he is on his way to Heaven (may already be there), which is a joyous thing.

I went to a Jesuit High School (many years ago). It released this to all of its alumni this morning, the day of Francis' death:

"It is with deep sadness and a profound reverence that [our] Jesuit community mourns the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, the first Jesuit to ascend to the Chair of St. Peter. As a Jesuit institution committed to forming Men for Others, we recognize in Pope Francis a model of humility, compassion, and courageous leadership; hallmarks of Ignatian spirituality lived out on a global stage.

His papacy has been a beacon of mercy, justice, and dialogue in a world so often divided. He called us to care for the poor, to protect the Earth, and to seek God in all things. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, educators, and faithful around the world.

Our prayers are with the Church in this time of mourning. We pray for the repose of Pope Francis’s soul and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the Church prepares for the path ahead."

lightbulb27 · Answer

I know little of him but he was a pleasant fellow. It's a huge job to run a church, especially catholic.

My regards to all the faithful losing your leader. The good news is he gets to go to heaven and end the suffering here. The bad news, is we are still here, but we still have time to do Jesus work here... that's good news.

I'm not catholic and I view Jesus as the head of the church, and everyone whom believes as a saint, each with their own abilities. Especially if they are doing his work.

Zack-Bann · Answer

I didn’t hear! You just informed me!
I knew he was sick for a while but I figured the vatican have their own advanced medical care that can fight off any illness

Still no one’s immortal

Here’s hoping his soul is at peace and that whoever takes over manages not to abuse his power and influence
Francis was good at that

KostasKouvalis · Answer

I'm not surprised considering his recent health issues. But it's crazy how he died right after Easter. Those people who saw him on Easter must feel privliged. I saw him a couple years ago. I wasn't particularly fond of him, but it was still cool.

Pope Francis Has Died. Thoughts? What is your initial reaction to the news?

There was a prophecy that he was supposed to be the last Pope. I'm not sure what's gonna happened now, or who the new Pope will be. But it doesn't seem as big news as when Pope John Paul II. But must be a really interesting time to be in Rome right now.

hahahmm · Answer

Bad pope who lectured others but never lifted a finger to deal with children and nuns being sexually abused in the church. He did put a lot of energy into getting a guy who stole money from the church's bank in prison on a long sentence. Tells me all I need to know. Also I bet he was injected with something by people who wanted him to die on Easter.

MisterWack · Answer

I love that he is being remembered for his work with the poverty, his advocation towards preserving our fragile ecosystems and our planet Earth as a whole, spreading the teachings of Christ, and being a beacon of hope & love in this world. God Rest & God Love Pope Francis.

I’m happy, he had a blessed final Easter with his family reflecting on the Lord’s teachings before passing away peacefully. He will be dearly missed, though he’s in a better place.

Levin · Answer

That's kind of weird. Because I said yesterday as I was watching the news of him appearing in public, guy just needs to chill out a bit, going through what he's been through with his health. Like just lay in your bed and eat chocolate for a few months. Is it possible the exertion killed him?

Also, not to be horrible but I just feel the same about anyone dying.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Answer

Nothing special, I'm not Catholic. So I see a pope and then a pope and then a pope and so on, plus they are always elected at old age, or so it seems, so them dying is expected at day 1 of their enthronement. If the role/function disappeared I would be intrigued as to what is happening to Christianity, otherwise no, whoever lives and dies in that robe doesn't affect me.

OneViewpoint · Answer

I don't really care. The Catholic Church will appoint a new Pedophile In Chief and the collection plates will continue to be filled by people desperate for simple minded answers to all the unknowns they fear. The Catholic Church will go on. Unfortunately.

ArrowheadSW · Answer

Whether or not we agree with everything he said or did, or if someone is Catholic or not, it is still refreshing that a world figure would stand up for peace, and unity among people. I am not Catholic but I like the fact that there are dedicated people out there trying to make the world a better place. Sure there is controversy. But like a friend of mine says, "Religion is about helping people."

EzraIsShy76028 · Answer

I live under a literal rock so I don't even know who he is. 🤷

Regardless though, no one deserves to die. No one except for murderers, rapists, child molestors, etc. So his death makes me sad assuming he wasn't any of those horrible things.

Plumalive · Answer

The Pope was an icon of goodness, stuggling to present a type of decency and virtue that is no longer beloved in the way it should be. The world has become a boiling pot of political discourse: tribal, unrepentant, and often mean-spirited. We have unrelenting opinions and attitudes and many rebel and are contrarian for the mere sake of the perceiving themselves entitlement to do so. The Pope and other religious leaders like him stood as sentinels attempting to offer balance and rationality while reminding us of the precepts of the Christ. He was not a perfect man. But he symbolized the faith necessary to obtain redemption, and for that, the world should pay sincere respects to the man even if there are those who would disagree with his religious foundation or who would see his Roman Catholic denomination as contrary to the Spirit of God. He was honorable. He was decent. He was forthright. And he should be honored with kindness and adoration. (Wisconsin, USA, not Catholic)

Jersey2 · Answer

Sad news. I didn’t agree with him in everything but have huge respect for him. He even celebrated Easter public ally at the Vatican and was driven through the crowds. That must have taken a lot as he was very sick and had less than a day to live.

loveslongnails · Answer

As far as Pope's go, he was a good one. I LOVE how one of his last acts was to deny an audience to JD Vance, who just showed up unannounced and uninvited yet thought he could talk to His Eminence. Instead, the Pope sent out an underling to literally scold him for his "non-Christian behavior and persecution of immigrants, the poor and other people in need". Way to go, Pope! You know who DID get an audience? - Biden, because he gave a shit about marginalized people.

ImalwaysrightOK · Answer

Hopefully the bishops elect a much more conservative bishop to replace Francis.

HaveNoName · Answer

The popes are generally very passive and peaceful personalities who do try to bridge the interfaith gap. Other than that what other role do they ever play than continuing the ridiculously absurd belief to Catholics that they still receive messages from God?

SeekerOfTruth007 · Answer

He sucked. He tried to change doctrine contrary to the Bible and what the church (and judaims before the church) taught for thousands of years. I'm specifically speaking of the compromise with homosexuals and transsexuals which is ridiculous

Gwendoline · Answer

Sad but at the same time rejoice because he is with God now.

Anonymous · Answer

On a scale of 1-10, the importance of this to me is about a 2. It would be zero, except it gets a 2 because it will be annoying to have to deal with it endlessly all over the media for the next two months when other things are so much more important to me.

No religious offense is intended. I respect those who believe in Catholicism. But you asked for my thoughts and here they are. I think honesty is one of Catholicism's values which I share.

Sun_Kim-Ai · Answer

Pretty much read the news when I was out getting some last things for Pasquetta. Already making arrangements to come down to Rome for the funeral.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

In remembrance of more civilized times:

WindAtMyBack · Answer

Couldn't care less. The pope is the head of an antiquated institution, and one of the most evil institutions in the history of the world.

MySunflowerSophia · Answer

There was a creepy Facebook post 2 days ago saying that Pope Francis died. Then 2 days later he actually dies... Now I'm low-key scared for our future.

OlderAndWiser · Answer

As a non-Catholic, it has very little significance to me. I don't mean that in a disrespectful way but it simply does not have any impact on my life.

CupcakeTheDestroyer · Answer

I’m more excited for the fact that Trisha Paytas is pregnant again. The pope has already reincarnated to face karmic justice

Shiprex · Answer

It's news to me. Sad that someone who seemed to be less dogmatic has left but hopefully another step for the religiously inclined to become more contemporary and up to date with humanity. .

Sunrising · Answer

I'm not religious but my condolences for the Italian people, and the Catholic people that followed Pope Francis.

jshm2 · Answer

Everyone dies, he was just another bloke. The main thing is that people who believed in his message, actually follow it.

FreyaRed · Answer

Well, people die. Next topic please. Pope isn't Jesus

IslaTheWitch · Answer

people die every day... as long as they are not my people I don't keep myself updated...

Phoenix98 · Answer

I'm not a catholic so I don't really have many thoughts on it though it has been a long time coming his health was failing for a quite a while I hear.

Nik1hil · Answer

Pope Francis was Supposed to be last Pope.. Following which the Next Ruler of Vatican will be Satan Himself, they say he has already entered the Holy Palace.

TonyMetal___86 · Answer

Ofc we are saddened for the passing of pope Francis, but now he's in heaven with god, i hope that humanity had learned from him how to give love, forgiveness and to be humble like he was, may he R. I. P

glennos89 · Answer

I'm glad he died. For those who don't know... He was a phedophile child molester. He was was a visitor off Epstein's island

Anonymous · Answer

Some of the answers on here are very vile.  I remember seeing a few months ago Jimmy Carter died and comments on questions about his death were nowhere near as vile as the pope

DeeDeeDeVour · Answer

His physical suffering is over.  R. I. P. Pope Francis.

NicholasRedone · Answer

@thegreenyogi confusion and shock because I heard someone say someone had died aged 88 and then I realised or heard it was the Pope.

genericname85 · Answer

If I was religious I would really struggle trying to figure out what God is trying to tell us killing the Pope on Easter Monday. Luckily I'm not so that news really doesn't matter to me.

DrPepper12 · Answer

Good guy. Humble. Teacher. Kind. Bold. Questioning. All the things a servant of Christ should be. A reformer. Open minded. We need more of his kind.

slatyb · Answer

WGAF? Hundreds of thousands of people die every day.

Agape93 · Answer

He died sooner than I thought. Time to start conclave

MemeSupreme · Answer

i get why people over there are affected by it but i don't care lol

Drumlin2001 · Answer

I'm not religious so in a way has no affect on me. But he seemed pretty progressive, hope next choice isn't too conservative and drags it backwards

XXblack88 · Answer

Didn't really have much of a reaction when I head of his death. I'm surprised he lived as long as he did with being sick and his age.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

Indifference... Popes normally don't last long, and so here goes another one. ''the King is dead - long live the King''

strateguy632 · Answer

Hopefully the ecuminical council willl pick a new pope who isn't a globalist.

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

I hate religion and people who drag others into it, so I really don't care to be honest.

alice55 · Answer

French here and I was very shocked when I heard the news

ChillGuy47 · Answer

Controversial but I did not really care like that. Sure I heard it and it came as a shock to me, his soul rest in peace but I moved on pretty much. I was raised catholic and still am but don't really enjoy church politics that much and I guess the way it would be in Italy is different the way the news would be received in places like Africa.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

A honourable, dignified peace warrior who valued EVERY ONE of us eight billion-plus Earthlings. RIP, Your Holiness, you made the world better while you were part of it !!!

Alexandrubaschet08 · Answer

As Orthodox, i feel sad, he was a good person. May God rest him in peace.

Likes2drive · Answer

I just thought that after getting through pneumonia that it was a shock that he died right after being over it

msg321 · Answer

I am Turkish and Muslim. This news didn't make me happy or sad. Neutral. They will chose a new pope and the life will go on. That's all.

douride2 · Answer

I'm not religious. He lived a long life. It was his time to go.

smahala1991 · Answer

Truly a big shock, and on the day after Easter no less

Still-alive · Answer

One of our greatest popes, very empathetic too. He will be fondly remembered I predict.

Staximus · Answer

I don't really think much about it because I'm not religious or Catholic

Blackcat1952 · Answer

I don't care that it's evil . Look at How that evil. Fool Is dressed . That is. Not with god . He will burn in hell Forever. THANK YOU

Anonymous · Answer

JD Vance is the anti-christ. The pontiff should not have given him an audience.

WilliamStormsReturn · Answer

he was old. didn't like him so im not sad, but rip bro.

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