To the editor: It is with great sadness that I learned from the death of Pope Francis (“Pope Francis, loved by his compassion and will to shake the church of the scandal, dies at 88,”, “,”. April 21). He was different from anyone who came before him. Francis will be remembered as one of the most consistent leaders of our time.
For decades, it served the most vulnerable in Argentina, and their mission to serve the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and a challenging teacher who approached different religions. He ordered us to fight for peace and protect our planet from a climatic crisis. He advocated voiceless and helpless. He made everyone feel welcome and seen by the Church. He promoted equity and the end of poverty and suffering throughout the world.
And above all, he was a Pope for everyone. It was the Pope of the people: a light of faith, hope and love.
Paul Bacon, Findale Beach, Fla.
..
To the editor: Pope Francis will be surprised by millions worldwide. It was a moral voice that never ceased to raise awareness about the repercussions of climate change, loss of biodiversity, global disparities, environmental degradation and food insecurity. In his last Easter sermon, a day before his sad disappearance, he remembered the miserable people of Gaza. He regretted a meaningless and cruel war that inflicted serious injuries to women and children who continue to support a disproportionate burden. He prayed for peoples and leaders to decide the path of peace and relieve suffering. Hopefully their tireless tenacity, firmness and unwavering determination will serve as a model for humanity.
Munjed Farid al Qutob, London
..
To the editor: After a battle of months with double pneumonia, it is almost as if Francis recovered with the sole purpose of presiding over the Easter Sunday and how surreal vice president JD Vance, who met with the Pope only hours before his death and will undoubtedly appreciate the visit of the rest of his life. After dedicating all his life to the Lord the Church, Francis can rest in peace knowing that he not only made the difference for the Catholic Church, but his influence is worldwide.
Joann Lee Frank, Clearwater, Fla.
..
