Thousands gathered outside Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris today to attend a solemn mass honoring Pope Francis, whose death has left a profound void in the global Catholic community. As mourners reflected on his legacy, many praised the late pontiff for his transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to compassion, with one attendee describing him as “the best pope of the era.”
Speaking to reporters outside the cathedral, a Parisian woman lauded Francis for his accessibility and humility. “As soon as he became pope, he didn’t stay inside the church, in the Vatican. He went out, he visited people, he knew as an ordinary person. So, he really acted as an ordinary person,” she said. Another mourner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how Francis redefined the papacy by engaging directly with communities worldwide, breaking from the traditional confines of Vatican life.
Also Read: Pope Francis Dies at 88 on Easter Monday
The last Popemobile ride of Pope Francis, doing what he did best, despite being gravely ill, being close to the faithful, blessing babies and even a child with cancer. This was his last public appearance. This was his goodbye pic.twitter.com/MLY29DjvNR
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) April 21, 2025
Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for over a decade, was a vocal advocate for marginalized groups, particularly migrants and refugees. His outspoken criticism of restrictive immigration policies, including those of former U.S. President Donald Trump, drew both admiration and controversy. In a February letter to American bishops, Francis condemned deportation practices, stating, “The act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution, or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women.” His words underscored his broader mission to counter the rise of nationalist populism, often putting him at odds with conservative Catholic factions in the United States.
Pope Francis died this morning.
— Romy🦢 (@romytweeting) April 21, 2025
Yesterday, I filmed him saying “Buona Pasqua.”
I didn’t know I was looking at him for the last time.
Didn’t know I was capturing a goodbye.
Thank you Papa Francesco for everything. pic.twitter.com/OFC286OY7e
The late pope’s advocacy was acknowledged by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic convert, during a speech at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in February. Addressing Francis’s criticisms, Vance said, “My goal here is not to litigate with him or any other clergy member about who is right and who is wrong. I will speak to [my views] consistently because I think it serves the best interest of the American people.” The two met briefly on Sunday, with their interaction described as amicable. However, a separate meeting between Vance and senior Vatican officials on Saturday was characterized as an “exchange of opinions” on issues like migrants, refugees, and prisoners, hinting at underlying tensions.
Inside Notre Dame, the mass was a moment of reflection on Francis’s legacy as a pontiff who championed social justice and humility. His death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, leaving mourners and leaders alike to contemplate the future of his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate world.
