After watching the account of his life on BBC news last night I felt sad that you can be pope and spend your whole papal reign advocating for the poor, practising what you preach, and it makes no difference at all….
It was a good programme last night. I think it makes a difference that he advocated for the poor. More difference than if I advocated that, but how much difference it will make, who knows?
I'm 100% Atheist so I can't say on a religious point but as Jorge Mario Bergoglio he always looked and sounded like a really nice man with a wacky sense of humour.
After watching the account of his life on BBC news last night I felt sad that you can be pope and spend your whole papal reign advocating for the poor, practising what you preach, and it makes no difference at all….
I thought that the Pope was improving ,but obviously much weakened . It is very sad news . He was a modest man and a gentle reformer. May he rest in peace 🙏.
Amazed that he survived so long with one lung . I was raised a strict Catholic and left the church . I did think this Pope tried his best to reform the church . I hope the conservatives don’t undermine his policies .
It is sad, he was a force for good in the world. Very courageous and satisfying that he was able to give the Easter blessing.
I don't suppose JD Vance was the last person he spoke to, just the last audience and I was struck that JDV's message of condolence was sincere, & even sensible, maybe Pope Francis had some humanising effect on him.
RIP Pope Francis. I am catholic and sent a prayer up today for repose of his soul, but I am sure it was not needed! as I firmly believe he is now with God in heaven. I will attend Mass tomorrow where I am sure there will be many others there. I will now pray for a worthy sucessor.
Such a shock to hear the news this morning after seeing him yesterday. Admittedly he sounded very frail and probably only will power got him through the day.
I wonder which way the cardinals will go now. Coincidentally I've got tickets to see Conclave this week.
Why does nearly every single thread on GN morph into chastisement of the wealthy?
Unbelievable bad taste on this one about the death of a man millions of people worldwide revered.
I agree completely, Grannygravy.
I’d suggest starting a separate thread Pascal30 if you wish to discuss the wealth of others and how you perceive they use said wealth. This thread, to my mind, is not the one to raise it.
I wonder if he advised King Charles to donate some of his enormous wealth to the poor?
I always find these comments puzzling. Surely all wealth is relative? Could it not also be asked if you ( or I) should be advised to give the price of our bottle of wine/ box of chocolates/ Starbuck’s coffee/ new coat to the poor? What is the threshold for it being acceptable to keep all our money to ourselves?
RIP Pope Francis. I was surprised that he survived the terrible lung infections given that he had part of one lung missing. Finally it was all too much for his system. He seems to have been well liked globally. I wonder if his successor will be one of his own appointees , with similiar views , who will continue reforms, or one of the old school hardliners. Will be interesting to see. Condolences to his friends and family. He was a person as well as a Pope.
It’s nice that he was able to appear on the balcony and give a blessing to all those in St Peter’s Square. But a shame that the last person he talked with was JD Vance.
Reminds me of when the late Queen met Liz Truss...tell King Charles to keep those politicians at aems length!
It’s nice that he was able to appear on the balcony and give a blessing to all those in St Peter’s Square. But a shame that the last person he talked with was JD Vance.