The passing of Pope Francis has left a deep impact on Californians, especially the 5 million Catholics in Los Angeles, who found a connection with the pontiff’s compassionate approach to social issues. Despite never visiting California, Pope Francis managed to touch the hearts of many with his calls for tolerance, empathy towards immigrants, and advocacy for climate action.
The Archbishop of Los Angeles, José H. Gomez, expressed his personal sorrow at the loss of Pope Francis, highlighting the significant role the first Latin American pontiff played in bridging the gap between the church and the community, particularly immigrants in Los Angeles. The fact that Pope Francis hailed from a Latin American country and was the first pope to speak Spanish resonated deeply with many in the region, symbolizing the church’s presence in their lives.
As mourners gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles, the outpouring of emotions was palpable. Bouquets of flowers adorned the cathedral’s entrance, a visual representation of the love and respect people felt for Pope Francis. Inside, parishioners like Cynthia Cook and her mother offered prayers, reflecting on the pope’s message of inclusivity and compassion.
In Riverside, Isabel Torres, a Mexican immigrant and church cleaner, found solace in Pope Francis’ teachings of humility and compassion towards migrants. She emphasized the need for world leaders to recognize the rights of immigrants and treat them with dignity, echoing the pope’s unwavering support for migrant communities.
The impact of Pope Francis’ legacy extended beyond the Catholic community, with Reverend Thomas P. Rausch praising the pontiff’s emphasis on the fundamental human right to migrate. Reverend Benediktus Obon echoed these sentiments, highlighting Pope Francis’ role in bringing people back to the church and fostering a culture of peace and acceptance.
Pope Francis’ progressive stance on social issues, including his call for tolerance towards gay Catholics and his advocacy for marginalized communities, earned him respect and admiration from political figures across California. Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn all paid tribute to the pope’s legacy of love, compassion, and moral courage.
As California mourns the loss of Pope Francis, his teachings of empathy, tolerance, and social justice continue to resonate with people of all faiths and backgrounds. The pope’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and love to unite communities and inspire positive change in the world.
