CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS/AP) -- Pope Francis, the beloved and often bold spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, died Monday at the age of 88, prompting an outpouring of grief and reflection around the world, including here in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Bishop Michael Martin, who was appointed by Pope Francis in 2024, expressed deep sorrow at the pope’s passing and called on the faithful to come together in prayer.
Following the passing of Pope Francis, Bishop Martin has directed all 93 Catholic churches across western North Carolina to cancel their Monday evening events and instead open their doors from 7 to 8 p.m. for quiet prayer and reflection.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Pope Francis and join with Catholics of the Diocese of Charlotte and around the world in mourning the loss of our shepherd,” Bishop Martin said in a released statement. “There will be time to celebrate the life and legacy of Pope Francis in the days ahead, but for now I invite anyone and everyone to join us in prayer.”
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The pope, who made history in 2013 as the first Latin American pontiff, left a lasting impression with his simple style, emphasis on mercy, and focus on the marginalized. From his first words, a humble “Good evening,” to his tireless advocacy for the poor, Pope Francis reshaped the global Church’s priorities and tone.
He was not without controversy. His critiques of unrestrained capitalism and his call to action on climate change sometimes put him at odds with more conservative factions within the Church. But for many, including Bishop Martin, his papacy marked a return to gospel-rooted compassion.
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis died following a prolonged respiratory illness that began in mid-February. He had suffered from chronic lung disease for decades after losing part of a lung in his youth.
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