The pope made his last tweet at 6:15 a.m. Sunday, less than 24 hours ago for Resurrection Sunday.
SAN ANTONIO — After an active Easter weekend marking Christ’s resurrection, the Catholic community in San Antonio is now mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who the Vatican says died Monday morning from a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to irreversible heart failure.
He was 88 and led the Catholic Church for the past 12 years.
Many in the San Antonio community had been praying for the pontiff’s health since the winter. His death came just weeks after he was discharged from the hospital, having spent five weeks there while contending with double pneumonia.
The San Fernando Cathedral was the site Friday for the Passion of Christ re-enactment’s finale. Three days later, it’s become a site for Catholics to pay their respects to Pope Francis.
After Easter, celebrations are supposed to last 50 days until Pentecost. Now, with the passing of Pope Francis, we can expect services and crowds at San Fernando Cathedral honoring his life.
“He taught us to lead the values of the gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love—especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized,” San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller said in a Monday afternoon news conference. “From his first words on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis declared his mission to preside over all the churches in charity.”
“He loved the world, and all the people of the world and God who created it.”
Francis’ rise to the Vatican was a historic event, preceded by the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. Benedict was the first pope to relinquish the office since 1415.
Francis was considered a more liberal pope than his predecessor and has faced controversy from the more conservative elements in the church for his stances on the LGBTQ+ community. He approved a ruling that allowed priests to bless same-sex couples without blessing the relationships themselves.
He also, García-Siller said, dedicated himself to lifting up “those whose faces had been deformed; (those) who expressed in their faces suffering, neglect; those who had been discarded; those who had been put aside; those who are considered northing.”
The pope made his last tweet at 6:15 a.m. Sunday, to mark Resurrection Sunday, writing: “Christ is risen. These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.”
PHOTOS: The world mourns the death of Pope Francis
SA’s faith community reacts
Before his comments with news media Monday afternoon, García-Siller in a statement released by the Archdiocese of San Antonio asked parishioners to “pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis” while adding “we were inspired by the holy Father’s advocacy for migrants globally and of his commitment to provide services and minster to all of God’s children.”
I will soon remember in a special way Pope Francis at English and Spanish liturgies at San Fernando Cathedral, and information regarding these Masses for the Holy Father will be forthcoming,” he continue in his statement. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”
Other churches and organizations also expressed condolences at the news.
Father Fidele O. Dikete, of St. John Berchmans Catholic Church on the southwest side, said Pope Francis “will be remembered as a true shepherd who can smell his sheep.”
“I was honored to have been in his presence several times during our pilgrimages to Rome, Italy,” Dikete continued. “We pray for Pope Francis to rest in peace and ask God to guide the process in electing the new Pope and our spiritual leader.
Central Catholic High School also posted a tribute to Pope Francis, while Catholic Charities commended his spirit of charity.
“Today we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, who reminded us that true greatness is found in serving others,” the organization wrote.
St. Lawrence Catholic Church posted the following: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis, the head of Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City, who has inspired millions across the world. May he rest in peace.”