TULSA, Okla. — Catholics and faith communities throughout Tulsa and the nation are reacting to news of the passing of Pope Francis.
The Vatican announced Pope Francis' death on the morning of April 21. His passing came one month after illness led to an extended stay at a hospital. He was released from the hospital in late March.
2 News listened to Catholics reflecting on the late pope’s legacy.
Like many other Catholic parishes across the country on Monday, Parish of Christ The King on Cherry Street hung a black bunting to the top of their entryways.
“Our church is just acknowledging the passing of our Pope,” one of the workers told 2 News.
They also lit candles around a picture of Pope Francis, with parishioners writing down thoughtful messages.
Others used their lunch breaks to gather in prayer, like those at downtown’s Holy Family Cathedral.
One woman said, “It was shocking” when she heard the news online.
While they knew he had a long hospital stay recently and he was in his eighties, those 2 News spoke with told us Francis’s death was nonetheless impactful.
“We were praying already for a while for him,” said Marta.
Tim Sullivan said, “Of course not knowing the timing and finding out as soon as you wake up the Pope has died definitely had a big impact on me and my wife as well.”
When asked if Francis strengthened her faith, one woman named Natasha replied, “Oh, yeah, definitely. Just being such a model of how to love well and with Christ's mercy.”
The 24-year-old is a Catholic missionary. She told 2 News the late Pope relit her joy for the gospel and her mission to spread it.
As for his legacy, Natasha said it will be one “definitely of mercy.”
She continued: “I think that's what our world really needed during this time, just with so many different hurt and hatred in the world. He was just a great bearer of hope and mercy.”
The people we listened to acknowledge that Pope Francis was divisive during his time. But, no matter what they thought of him, they told us they pray his soul is at peace.
“We don't know, we don’t assume anything as Catholics when somebody dies,” said Sullivan. “So, I thought, I need to pray for him, pray for his soul. But if there's anything that where God's mercy is needed, God will make that mercy available.”
“It's true that there were a little bit of, you know, divided opinions about the time he was a pope,” said Marta. “But, on the other hand, he did a lot, and apparently yesterday he was doing a lot too.”
“He definitely tried, tried to give his best till the end,” she added.
Faith institutions in Tulsa have begun releasing statements and tributes to the late Pontiff.
Reverend David Konderla, Bishop of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, released the following statement:
“The light of faith: this is how the Church’s tradition speaks of the great gift brought by Jesus. These are the first words of “Lumen Fidei,” the first Encyclical of Pope Francis at the beginning of his pontificate.
As a Jesuit priest, then Bishop, then Cardinal, and finally as our Holy Father these past 12 years, Pope Francis dedicated his life to inviting all to see and know Jesus Christ, the light of the world, the light of faith and the loving Savior.
His heroic service, well past the age most people retire and begin to rest, is a testament to his burning desire to make Jesus known, especially to those on the margins.
Now, as we commend him to God, let us take up and continue the ministry of the Church: Spreading the good news that Jesus is Lord and loves and saves all who put their faith in him.”
Holy Family Cathedral has announced that it will hold a memorial Mass to celebrate Pope Francis at 6:30 PM on April 21. Mass will be led by Father Elkin Gonzalez, pastor of Christ the King Parish.
All Souls Unitarian Church posted the following statement on its Facebook page:
The ministers and congregation of All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa join with those around the world who are mourning the death and celebrating the life and ministry of Pope Francis.
As a congregation deeply committed to interfaith partnership, we have been encouraged by Pope Francis’s efforts to build bridges across religious divides and to open wider the doors of his church—especially to LGBTQ+ individuals. His compassion for immigrants and refugees, and his consistent call to center the poor and marginalized in faith and action, have been a source of hope and inspiration.
We hold our Catholic siblings in our hearts during this time of grief and transition, and we honor the legacy of a leader who sought to bring more love, humility, and justice into the world.
Oklahoma City Senator Paul Rosino released the following statement:
"As a Catholic, I am heartbroken by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was a shepherd of humility, mercy and unwavering faith. He was a leader who challenged us to care for the poor, protect the vulnerable and live out the Gospel through action. His example touched lives far beyond the walls of the Church, and his call for compassion and generosity resonated across the world. I join Catholics everywhere in mourning this profound loss and praying for the repose of his soul."
Pope Francis assumed the papacy in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was 88 years old.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube
