Oregon archdiocese ‘in shock’ after death of Pope Francis
Published 8:47 am Monday, April 21, 2025
- Pope Francis visits Kazakhstan in 2022. (Photo by Yakov Fedorov/Wikimedia Commons)
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, .
鈥淭oday, we remember and honor the life of a shepherd who devoted himself entirely to the service of Christ and His Church, a man of deep faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel,鈥� The Most Rev. Alexander Sample, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Portland.
His final public appearance was Easter Sunday, where he delivered a blessing at St. Peter鈥檚 Square. He later met with American Vice President J.D. Vance,聽 who also had what the Vatican describes as聽over the Trump administration鈥檚 handling of immigration issues and international aid.
News of the pope鈥檚 passing came in the early morning hours on the West Coast, taking many by surprise.
鈥淲e鈥檙e all a little in shock right now,鈥� Portland archdiocese spokeswoman Vanessa Gallant said Monday. 鈥淲e had a day off today, it鈥檚 Easter Monday.鈥�
According to the Vatican, Francis died of a cerebral stroke and cardiocirculatory collapse. Francis had been facing medical issues for months, and was hospitalized earlier this year for respiratory issues that developed into double pneumonia. As a young man, Francis had one lung removed and lived with chronic lung disease throughout his life, according to the Associated Press.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis was elected by his fellow cardinals as pope in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XV.
As leader of the world鈥檚 1.4 billion Catholics, Francis led the Catholic Church through periods of reform and controversy.
鈥淗e inspired us to embrace mercy, to walk in humility, and to live as true disciples of Jesus Christ,鈥� Sample said.
Francis took a different approach than his predecessor, focusing on humility, social justice and pastoral outreach. Francis spoke out on a range of topics, from environmental concerns and compassion for marginalized communities.
鈥淎s a pastor of souls, Pope Francis shepherded us through times of joy and sorrow, guiding us with wisdom, gentleness, and a deep love for the people of God,鈥� Sample said. 鈥淗is teachings were a beacon of hope, calling us to renew our commitment to the Lord, to care for our common home, and to live with the joy of the Gospel in every corner of the world.鈥�
Francis faced some criticism over the church鈥檚 handling of clergy sex abuse cases. Francis initially defended a bishop in Chile accused of covering up abuse, but later reversed his position. Francis implemented new protocols for holding members of the church more accountable and made reporting abuse mandatory, .
Since Francis’ passing, remembrances and outpourings of support have come in from across the globe. In Oregon, Frank So, executive director of聽, said Francis should be remembered for his vision of unity and peace.
“Unity is at the core of the Christian denominations and churches that are聽Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon,” So said. “We will continue to stand with the legacy of Pope Francis in caring for and welcoming our neighbors through our ministries, especially immigrants and the poor.”
A funeral will be held in St. Peter鈥檚 Basilica following a week of public mourning and official visits. A conclave will then be convened to elect the next pope.
