Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away at the age of 88 after a stroke led to his heart failure. His death, announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, is mourned by Catholics across the Peninsula, including clergy from churches like St. Francis of Assisi in East Palo Alto. There, Priest Lawrence Goode expressed relief in knowing that Francis is in a better place and reflected on the pope's influence on issues like climate change and support for the poor. A photo of Francis now hangs at the church, symbolizing his lasting impact.
"We invited him to East Palo Alto. He didn't come, but maybe he'll come in spirit," Priest Lawrence Goode at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in East Palo Alto said.
"We found a letter that we had sent. We told him that we were happy for him because he picked the name Francis, which is the name of our church," Goode said.
Francis delved into issues such as climate change and helping the poor, which resonated with Goode. Francis tied religion with the poor, the environment, and abortion, Goode said.
His death was announced by Irish-born Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who will be taking charge of the administration of the Holy See until a new pope is elected.
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