Devastation swept through the Mount Saint Joseph Academy community as the news of Pope Francis’ death spread. Students and teachers express their opinions and thoughts on his unforgettable legacy.

Francis died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. He was known for his humility and strong focus on social justice, often speaking out on immigration, poverty and the importance of mercy. His legacy is one of hope, compassion and kindness.

Students and faculty who found personal meaning in his words and actions, reflect on how his legacy continues to shape their values and perspectives.

“I was so sad because I think the Pope was a wonderful man and I really liked his values. I think he was one of our best popes. Hopefully we get a pope just as good as him and then it occurred to me, you’ll never get a pope as good as him,” Savannah Miller ‘28 said.

Pope Francis is know for his hands on approach to ministry, always stepping outside the Vatican to connect directly with those in need.

“…he always talks about, as a shepherd of the church, to be with the sheep and to have the scent of the sheep on you, and that’s exactly what he did on his last day. He went out at Saint Peter’s Square and was with the people and blessed them on Easter day,” Theology teacher Mrs. Maureen Furletti said.

As the spread of his death spread, communities were hit with a sense of devastation and dismay. When students described their initial reactions to the death of Pope Francis words like “Shocking,” came to mind.

“I didn’t even think it was real. I didn’t believe it when people told me because I didn’t think that it would happen,” Kristen Savage ‘26 said.

“I saw it on tiktok and I was shocked and had to go to the comments to make sure it was real,” Bridget Murray ‘28 said.

As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, both students and teachers are already imagining what this election will hold and what to do moving forward.

“I have been thinking about it a lot as a theology teacher and how I can communicate his life and legacy to my students. I also think about it as a mom and what it is going to be like for the future of the church and especially the future of the church for my children,” Mrs. Furletti said.

“I’m really interested to find out who will be elected next especially because the most likely candidate is from the Philippines. I think that’ll be really interesting to have another non-European pope,” Rahel Rhego ‘26 said