Remembering Pope Francis: Abilene reflects on his legacy

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Catholics around the world are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday morning at the age of 88. Here in the Key City, locals are also reflecting on his legacy and sharing how he touched their lives.

Father Emilio Sosa of St. Vincent Catholic Church in Abilene shared his thoughts on this historical moment.

“He made holy noise. I think as a good leader, you are fighting for a good cause. You have to make a noise. And for a pope, or a man, or any human being who is 88 years old, any illness can be very, very grave,”

We also spoke with a devout Catholic here in Abilene, who reflected on the timing of the pope’s passing.

“So on this morning, when I woke up and heard the news that he had passed, I thought, well, that’s beautiful that he passed on Easter time, and he is now in his heavenly reward,” she expressed.

The Vatican has begun funeral preparations. The next step will be the papal conclave, where the College of Cardinals will gather to elect the next pope.

In a break from tradition, Pope Francis will not be buried in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Instead, he will be laid to rest at Saint Mary Major, a fifth-century basilica in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary — one he held close to his heart.