“Intelligent, holy, personal man,” local priest on death of Pope Francis

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Pope Francis is a man who did a lot for the Catholic Church and the Christian world.

Monsignor Earl Provenza, retired priest of 60 years, has seen the last six popes, but says Pope Francis stood out.

“He did everything 100%. If they were in prison, he went to see them and visit with them. If they were crippled in wheelchairs, he wanted to be with them. If they were senior citizens, he wanted to be with- in other words, he got off his throne and got down with the people,” said Monsignor Provenza.

He met the pope for the first time in Rome while celebrating 50 years of being ordained.

“I went to Rome, and I had an audience with him, like we’re talking right now. He was so friendly, so nice. He thanked me for my priesthood, and I thanked him for his love and support. He gave me a special blessing, which I’ll never forget, but very humble man, down to Earth, but he was very appreciative of my ministry as a Priest,” said Monsignor Provenza.

Monsignor Provenza says the pope loved the church, the people who went to church, as well as the non-going. He had love and care for all.

“Even though he was a pope, he wanted to be like us in the priesthood. So, he was a very very impressive man. Holy, and very contagious, his prayer life was outstanding. And his concern for the poor and the needy,” said Monsignor Provenza.

Monsignor Provenza went back to Rome with a group for another tour and met the pope for a second time. He says this was an audience with hundreds of thousands of people.

“Very beautiful experience. It was something that, he represented Christ on Earth, and to touch him, and to be close to a man who is down to Earth, but still spiritual,” said Monsignor Provenza.

The funeral for Pope Francis will take place in Rome on April 26th. Following the funeral will be conclave. Provenza says this is the process for choosing a new pope among the Cardinals.

“All of the Cardinals go into Sistine chapel. They close the doors, there’s no outside influence, and they’re locked in, and they’re fed of course, and they select the next pope,” said Monsignor Provenza.

Monsignor Provenza says the legacy of Pope Francis will live on.

“We all mourn his death, but we know that he has earned his reward in heaven.”