Pope Francis died

Having been raised a catholic like others here, we all know the death of a Pope and election of a successor is huge happening in the church. Pope Francis has been ill for a while now, so it's no surprise really. I'm sure he was a good and decent man and a reformer in some ways. One only has to look back in history to know that has not always been the case really, right up to modern times, Popes have definitely been a mixed bag, not that we always knew, the catholic church, is so often shrouded in secrecy. So it seems the book and film of Conclave are quite timely.

RIP Pope Francis

May he R.I.P.

A Jesuit who ruffled quite a few feathers amongst the Cardinals who would try to cling steadfastly to the status quo.

Will electing a conservative traditionalist cause the Church to stagnate? For sure, I'm not expecting any progress as regards women priests.

I remember when he became Pope there was a thread here on GN when I posted that he was too old for the position and a younger man should have been chosen.
How very wrong I was.
May he RIP.

Grandmabatty

'Any man's death diminishes me' said by John Donne captures what I feel. I am not Catholic but he was a good man. May he rest in peace.

My feelings too GMB. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Rip. What a selfless effort he made yesterday, Easter Sunday, one last time.
I agree he was a good Pope.

Time for an African pope? After Latin America it has the largest number of Catholics and the church is growing all the time whilst in Europe it’s shrinking.

He was such a good, unstuffy Pope. RIP

A shock. After seeing him give his blessings yesterday, a good Pope more of the people RIP

I was raised Catholic and although I no longer practice, I am saddened at the death of this holy but deeply human pope. Now a real-life conclave begins!

Unusually I did attend Mass yesterday, yes he was a highly respected man. So glad I went.

I am not a Catholic but had great respect for this man , may be rest in peace.

Even knowing that he was so ill, it was a shock when my daughter told me that the Pope has died. The World needs another good man to follow him in these turbulent times.

What a blessed and auspicious day for him to die.. A good man..

A shock after his appearances yesterday, but a fitting conclusion to a good life and one which will bring comfort to those who followed him.

Grandmabatty

'Any man's death diminishes me' said by John Donne captures what I feel. I am not Catholic but he was a good man. May he rest in peace.

As always, you put it so beautifully Grandmabatty. You have a way with words.

Sad although not a catholic. Poor man, he had been so terribly ill. It was good not to have had a european pope for once.

He was a Pope for the poor and the earth I believe.

The blessing yesterday was quite something. It did sound like a huge effort as he was so "breathy" - but you are right. He seemed to genuinely be a man of the people - and a reformer (within the confines of Catholicism).

I hope we have a "good" new Pope to follow.

As a Catholic I am deeply sad to have heard of the death of Pope Francis. Although seriously ill he appeared on the balcony on Easter Sunday to give his Easter blessing, a very brave and courageous gesture by a dearly loved and highly respected Pope. May he Rest in Peace with the Angels and Saints. 🩷

Sorry to hear that the Pope has died, especially after the great effort it must have taken to deliver the blessing yesterday.
He has done a lot of work for the Roman Catholic Church.
May he rest in peace.

It seems a fitting time of the year for him to die, if that makes sense, just after Easter Day.

RIP.

A most innovative Pope. Pray for a worthy successor.

May he rest in peace

nanna8

I feel sad, too. He was a very good and faithful pope. I am not Catholic, either, but he was a person worthy of great respect. I hope they get another good one next.

nanna8 he was a great spokesperson and his words were always very reassuring to the majority of people…