The Grotto mourns ‘spiritual father’ following death of Pope Francis

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Visitors to the Grotto in Portland reacted to the news of Pope Francis’s passing, saying they were surprised to learn he died but were not entirely shocked given his recent health struggles.

Pope Francis did make an appearance and offer a blessing on Easter Sunday, the holiest day in the Catholic religion. Visitors to the Grotto said they are sad to lose the Pope, but it is a special time of year in the faith to die.

Visitor George Krantz said he will remember Pope Francis as a holy man of prayer who fought for the little guy.

“It’s like my spiritual father died in the world,” he said. “So we need mourn and yet be joyful, because we know he’s going in the right direction when he dies.”

Peter Smith with the Archdiocese of Portland earned the title of Bishop thanks to an appointment from Pope Francis himself. Smith said it came as a surprise, but one that has left him grateful.

Reflecting on the Pope’s legacy, Smith said his pastoral approach offered something for everyone—religious or not.

“The heart of mercy that he had really opened people’s hearts, opened people’s minds to what he had to say, and perhaps caused a lot more of them to take seriously the message that he had,” he said. “So I think that that approach opened a lot of doors, for him in that sense, and the impact that he had in society.”

All flags at public institutions in Oregon are being flown at half-staff in line with an order from President Trump. In a statement, Gov. Tina Kotek said, “I mourn the passing of a champion for the poor, for climate action, and for a more just and inclusive world. His guidance in this moment of human history will be missed. Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”

Barbara Stoltenberg stopped by the Grotto Monday and said she is praying for the pope, and for the church going forward.

“He started a lot of conversations, a lot of people asking a lot of questions,” Stoltenberg said. “And whenever they ask good questions, good comes from it, because people are searching out answers. And I love that.”

2025 is a Jubilee Year, a celebration that happens every 25 years in the Catholic Church, and Pope Francis had declared this as the Year of Hope.

The Grotto is designated as a Jubilee Pilgrimage site, so people from all over the world are invited to visit the spot and celebrate the Year of Hope.