GAYLORD — Gaylord Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh said he learned of Pope Francis’ death early this morning.
“We’re very sad over the loss of our Holy Father. There’s a sense of a common bond that we share. So, there’s an intimacy there, as if we have all lost a family member,” said Walsh.
The bishop said he couldn’t help but note the timing, one day after Easter.
“I sent, email out to all of our parishes today reminding all of our pastors to have a mass, at some point to celebrate the mass and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. And we’ll have different activities and things that will revolve around his legacy in our parishes and schools as time unfolds,” said Walsh.
Walsh said the Pope’s death wasn’t a total surprise given his recent health struggles, but there was still hope for his recovery.
“Given his past history and his resilience, I thought it’s possible. And even up until Easter Day, when he made a surprise visit, at Saint Peter’s, and he was in the Popemobile and often, you know, met with our vice president yesterday or the day before. You could tell that he wanted to serve until his very last breath,” said Walsh.
Larry LaCrosse is a parishioner at All Saints Parish in Alpena. He said the loss of Pope Francis, while not unexpected, is still painful.
“I think myself and I’m sure many people have been just watching the news and keeping updates, especially when the Pope was in the hospital and critically ill. And the attitude was just a lot of prayer.
I think everybody has a different relationship with different popes. And, for me. Pope Francis was somebody who brought a sense of humility. It reminded us of the sense of humility that we have as Christians,” said LaCrosse.
Bishop Walsh said Pope Francis gave a lot to the catholic church and that selfless service until the very end will be a big part of how he’s remembered.
“I think he gave a great witness. His legacy in many ways will be about that. That need for us to always have an ability to deal with the person in front of you, to have a loving concern for their well-being and a desire to do them good,” said Walsh.
