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Faith leaders from all over the country have shared reaction and penetration with the Fox News Digital as the world continues to mourn for the loss of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21.
Francis served for 12 years as pontiff. He was the first Jesuit to serve as the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26.
Alex McFarland, Ph.D., Youth, Religion and Culture Expert, as well as the author of more than 20 books, told Fox News Digital on Monday, “Christians everywhere, regardless of their belonging, must extend beloved condolences and prayers for Catholic believers who are mourning to see Christian. His word. “
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McFarland is the director of WorldView for Charis Bible College in Woodland Park, Colorado, and co-cuts television broadcasting “Truth and Freedom”. He has heard directly every day at 200-plus stations on American Family Radio Network.
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez from Sacramento, California, commented, “We mourn for the passage of Pope Francis, a visionary leader of faith and a tireless lawyer for the marginalized. His life was a testimony to hope – the hope that the church can shine as a light -to -date. the most stable champions. ”
Pope Francis has been shown by greeting the cardinals while he suddenly appears during Sunday Palm in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, April 13, 2025. He passed away Monday morning, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. (Yara Nardi/Reuters)
Other faith leaders shared their knowledge with the Fox News Digital.
‘Known for his humility’
Pastor Wendell Vinson, co -founder of Cityers and based in Bakersfield, California, said: “We join the Catholic Church and people of faith across the globe in the mourning of Pope Francis’s death.
“This same spirit characterized his work in the name of persecuted and oppressed all over the world.”
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He added, “The legacy of Pope Francis reminds us of the critical importance of cooperation between the faith groups and that more good can be accomplished when we work together.”
‘Put it in trouble’
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, told Fox News Digital, “Catholics across the globe are mourning the death of Pope Francis. He touched millions of believers, including non-Catholics and non-believers. Catholics bullets and non-catholics.
“No one criticized her for not talking from the heart.”
Donohue added, “He also put him in trouble, especially when he spoke with reporters aboard the papal plane after a trip overseas. In many cases, after a conversation with journalists, the Vatican press troops had to clarify what he would say. But no one criticized him not to speak from the heart.”
He continued, “Unfortunately, the end of his pontification was disturbing. His approval for a Vatican document that allows priests to bless the same sex couples were welcomed with widespread criticism. In fact, he was so divisive that he seriously undoing his best part he previously won … for the most part.
Donohue also said, “Pope’s strong protection for the rights of the unborn and his punishment for gender ideology, sat well with conservative Catholics. But they were not happy when he refused to honor questions about his apostolic encouragement, ‘Amoris laetitia’; prominent prelates required some doctrinal issues.
“The Holy Father was clearly more critical of conservative bishops than he was their liberal counterparts.”
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He added, “even more significant, his attack on traditionalists, especially those who favor Latin, were frequent and had no nuances.”
Donohue also noted that “Pope Francis made his mark in the church, as John Paul II and Benedict XVI did. It remains to be seen whether his successor would remove his attitude more closely than that of his ancestors. He may rest in peace.”
‘Pray for his soul’
Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church Church outside Seattle, Washington, commented, “The Bible is clear that we must pray for our leaders. We can pray that Pope Francis, for his soul. There is no greater purpose than to hear,” Bravo, my good servant from Jesus. his in a dark world. “
Pope Francis speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in the Vatican, Tuesday, January 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Bradley added, “Pope Francis had an appreciation for creation and a heart of compassion. His leadership included prayers during the pandemic even when St. Peter’s Square was empty. His passing comes a day after Easter, which is a clear reminder that Jesus is the resurrection and life. Death is not the end of the story – because Jesus is victorious.”
He also said: “The invitation from our Lord is for everyone. If the Pope had a message today, it would be for Jesus to be the way, the truth and life – and no one comes to the Father, except through him (John 14: 6) and John 3:16, ‘For God he loved the world that he gave to his only son, so whoever believes in him.” “
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Bradley continued, “Pope dedicated his life to the service of God, and we can turn to Jesus now with all our hearts. There is no greater decision than to follow Jesus both every day and eternally. Grace is an undeserved gift, paradise, and Jesus died for our sins. invincible. ”
‘Grateful for his service’
Jeff King, President of International Christian Inchest (ICC) and a leading expert on religious persecution all over the world, “as an evangelical leader, I reflect on Pope Francis’ passing for his service and heart. guide to trust and practice. “
King added, “Despite our theological differences, the evangelicals and Catholics stand united in the proclamation of Jesus Christ as the only hope in the world. As the Catholic Church sails this transition, we pray for resurrection and a common devotion to raise Jesus as way, truth and life.”
King is also the author of “The Whisper”, a 30-day devotion that reveals spiritual lessons “from the prisons of the persecuted.”
‘Remembered for his extension’
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the American Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement that partially said, “Pope Francis will be remembered for a long time to approach those who were at the borders of the church and society.
“He has also benefited from the current jubilee to call us in deep hope – one that is not an empty or naive hope, but one based on the promise of Almighty God to always be with us.”
‘Dreamndra was the church to become a field hospital’
Archbishop Joseph D’Ouza, based in India, told Fox News Digital, “Pope Francis was a voice for unity and understanding among all groups of faith in the midst of increasing polarization, and I join the Catholic Church as they grieve his death. that should be for all people. ”
“Many will rush to make an appreciation of his heritage, but this is premature, if not damaging. After all, we are still appreciating past pontifications – never forget the wider Vatican II legacy.” (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
“Pope Francis defended the dignity of all mankind, regardless of their social attitude or the tradition of faith. His dream was for the church to become a hospital in the field – and it is our responsibility to see that dream come true for the good of mankind. Throughout his palace, Pope Francis embodied the humility and care of the tradition, Francisi.
‘His choice was historic’
In an original option for Fox News Digital, Rev. Robert Sirico wrote, “If there is anything that can be agreed on by all parties regarding Pope Francis’s pontificality is that he was divisive and unclear at several levels. Many will rush to make an assessment of his inheritance, but this is predetermined if not damaged.
“After all, we are still appreciating past pontifications – never forget the wider heritage of Vatican II – and their implications for church life.”
Pope Francis is shaken during an audience with Hungarian pilgrims in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican on April 25, 2024. (Monteforte/AFP Fillipo through Getty)
He added, in part, “like the first pope from America – though of the parents of the Italian immigrants – his choice was historic. While it was impossible, it is not completely inconceivable, the other conclusion may result in the first African pope since ancient times, especially given the dynamic growth of the church in the continent.”
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Sirico is the author of the “Economy of Pales” and “Free Market Protection: The Moral Case for a Free Economy”. He is co -founder and President Emeritus of the ACTON Institute.
