For Utah Catholics, summing up their love and gratitude for Pope Francis, who died Monday at age 88, in a few sentences proved no easy task.
Feelings like “shocked” and “saddened” mixed with descriptors such as “humble,” “simple” and “remarkable” as they attempted to express the impact of the first Latin American and Jesuit pope’s 12-year tenure on their lives, the church and the world.
Most chose to focus on the Argentine’s care for the planet and the poor, a ministry Francis often linked in his sermons and writings.
“He was a man of God,” the Rev. Oscar A. Solis, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, wrote Monday in a statement, “a true pastor who lived the gospel values and called on others to defend the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, to work for justice and peace, to protect the Earth as our common home, to promote global humanity and social friendship, and perhaps most of all, to encounter the love of Jesus Christ.”
Another recurring theme, Solis stressed, was Francis’ emphasis on the “joy of the gospel,” and the need to share “the universal love and mercy of God to all people, especially with those living on the margins: the migrant, the poor, the lost and the least.”
Catholics make up Utah’s second largest faith (behind The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) with about 300,000 members.
Here are a few of their reactions:
• “I am privileged to work with middle-school-age students, and we have learned so much from and about Pope Francis — especially his encyclical ‘Laudato Si,’ which speaks about caring for our common home, Earth. His care and advocacy for the poor and marginalized have also been very impactful to our community.”
— Sarah Lambert, vice principal, St. Vincent de Paul Parish School in Holladay.
• “Pope Francis was a man of humility, compassion, great love and so much more. He was a true example to us on how to live as Christ, a light in our world. I pray for his eternal rest and that he will intercede to help us all be better.”
— Elizabeth Kirts, manager of patient services for University of Utah Health.
• “He was a simple man who was very welcoming and accepting of all, and I believe he moved the Catholic Church in the right direction. He also had a special connection with the younger generation that I believe is critical for the long-term growth and development of the Catholic Church.”
— David Leo, president & CEO of WMI Mutual Insurance Co.
• “Pope Francis modeled how Catholics, and really all people, should treat one another. He preached as St. Francis instructed: Always preach the gospel; when necessary, use words.”
— Gary Green, principal, St. Vincent de Paul Parish School in Holladay.
• “Pope Francis lived his life in service of others while being compassionate, faithful and humble. He brought hope to millions worldwide and was a guiding light in times of uncertainty.”
— J. Michael Bailey, attorney, Parsons Behle & Latimer.
A Memorial Mass of the Dead is planned for Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Madeleine in downtown Salt Lake City.
Follow @tamarranicole
