Pope Francis Remembered as Pope for the People
By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles
LAKE CHARLES — Deacon Hunter LaRocca still remembers when Pope Francis was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013.
“I was a junior in high school, and I was getting confirmed that year,” he recalled, pointing out that later this year he will be ordained to the priesthood under a new pontiff because of the death of the Holy Father on April 21, 2025.
With true sadness we have learned of the death of the Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Francis. The passing away of a Vicar of Christ is always an occasion of sorrow for the Church. We are united in prayer with those who mourn the loss of our Holy Father. At the same time, we trust, as did he, in the mercy of God and in the promise of Eternal Life given by our Lord Jesus Christ. The true Shepherd has never ceased in leading the flock to green pastures, and He will shepherd us still. May Pope Francis rest in peace.