Since the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s 266th pope, on April 21st, the UD community has come together to reflect on his lasting image and stipulate about the future of the Church.
Ambrose Tallon, an undeclared freshman, commented about how the news reached him and his response.
“I was initially shocked at the news that the pope had died,” said Tallon. “After all, he had left the hospital and had celebrated Easter Mass. While he did not look in good health, he did not seem to be on the verge of death. It is the first time a pope has died as pope in my lifetime, and it felt in a sense like losing a father figure.”
Francis left a great impression on the world and on the students of UD. He was originally elected pope on March 13, 2013, and his reign was known for its less strict policies and more forward stances about sexuality, immigration and environmentalism.
Elsa Daly, an undeclared freshman, commented about Francis’s legacy.
Daly said, “Pope Francis is the only pope I have had, so it’s hard to tell exactly how he affected my life. I guess I’ve always thought of him as more progressive, but also that it must be so hard to follow up intellectual giants like JPII and Benedict XVI.”
Tallon also spoke about Francis’s lasting impression: “He was always kind and open, and even into his last days thought of the less fortunate in the world. He showed through his words and actions that he truly loved his flock and cared for them. Though his theological legacy is complicated, he will always [be] remembered for the beauty of his love and character.”
President Sanford sent out a statement to UD on the morning of Francis’s passing, in which he reflected on the impact that Francis had on the faithful and on the world. Sanford also noted that, as the community processes the implications of Francis’s passing, it should pray for his soul and for the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is a trustee of the University of Dallas and is running the temporal affairs of the Vatican until the next pope is appointed.
Friar Mariano Veliz, the university’s chaplain, also sent out a statement that Easter Monday giving his condolences to all affected by his passing and stating his intentions to begin a rosary novena and offer a Mass for the repose of his soul.
Daly commented on how she saw the UD community come together at this time.
Daly said, “It’s been really good to see how interested and respectful everyone has been. Dr. Hanssen has been devoting some time at the beginning of each Am Civ lecture to giving us updates on the Vatican and explain how everything is going to work.”
The UD community has lately begun to speculate about the future of the Catholic Church and the upcoming papal conclave.
Tallon commented, “The conclave has a huge responsibility in ensuring that the Church will persevere and even thrive in the times to come. The faithful themselves are today exceptionally polarized, and this may come to a head even in the conclave.”
He continued, “All we can really do is trust the Holy Spirit that the cardinals will elect a Pope who will be able to lead the Church bravely through this world and keep it close to Christ.”
The conclave is set for May 7th and will continue until a new pope receives two-thirds of the votes of the college of cardinals.