Father Peter and Eastern Deanery Mourn the Death of Pope Francis

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Catholics around the world are mourning after the death of Pope Francis. At Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Monroe, Father Peter Mangum is mourning the death of Pope Francis- joining Catholics around the world in honoring his legacy. Father Mangum says despite the Pope’s known health issues, the news of his passing came as a surprise.“Rather surprised because even though we know our Pope was quite ill, he was in public yesterday. He gave an Easter blessing,” Mangum said. He says Pope Francis will be remembered not only for the way he changed the Church, but also for how he touched the hearts of many through compassion and humility.

“I believe we clearly know that his love of the poor, his reaching out to those who are marginalized—that will be his legacy,” said Mangum.Known for leading with empathy, Pope Francis often encouraged the Church to embrace everyone. 

Father Mangum says he hopes the Pope’s example will carry on into the next papacy.“He has made such an influence in the Church that the next Pope will have to naturally take over from Pope Francis and incorporate some of his teachings.” Father Mangum says above all, it was the Pope’s message of mercy that shaped him into the leader he is today. “This Pope has been a Pope of mercy, and that message from the very beginning of this papacy has stuck with me.”

As the world continues to honor Pope Francis, St. Francis Medical Center released a statement remembering him as a spiritual leader devoted to the poor and underserved.The hospital also says it is continuing to pray for the Church during this time of loss.

Read the full article here.