SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Pope Francis' passing has impacted members of the catholic church worldwide, including here in NEPA.
The papacy of Pope Francis touched the hearts of many in the catholic church. Following his passing on Monday morning, the Diocese of Scranton is reflecting on the legacy he left behind.
"He offered so very very much to our church, for which I will always be grateful and I know our people will be," Reverend Joseph C. Bambera from the Diocese of Scranton said.
Reverend Bambera addressed the media Monday morning to not only offer his prayers for the resting of Pope Francis' soul, but to express gratitude for the impact he had around the world.
Bambera says the number of non-catholic leaders who have reached out to him has been consoling, and that these messages are a testament to Pope Francis' legacy.
"That whole ecumenical and interfaith element of our church was a very, very vital component of his life and ministry," Reverend Bambera added.
The loss also gave Bambera a chance to reflect on his own interactions with the late pope.
In one of those meetings, he says he and the other bishops of Pennsylvania sat with Francis, speaking with him for hours.
University of Scranton reacts after Pope’s death
"An extremely down-to-earth and gentle man, but a man with great, great resolve in terms of communicating the mission he was given and his vision of the gospel of Jesus," Reverend Bambera continued.
Bambera says Francis' ministry taught him the importance of embracing those on the margins of society and the significance of leadership in the church.
"It taught me to reflect upon the fact that leadership in the church is not rooted in some sense of righteousness, but it's rooted in a deep faith in god and a trust to communicate the message of the gospel which ultimately, as Pope Francis reminded us time and again is a message of mercy," Reverend Bambera explained.
Reverend Bambera says there will be a period of mourning until Pope Francis' funeral takes place.
A mass will be held on Tuesday at 12:10 p.m. inside Saint Peter's Cathedral in Scranton to celebrate the late pope.
