‘He was so genuine and warm and welcoming’: Seattle residents reacts to Pope Francis’ death
Apr 21, 2025, 10:27 AM | Updated: 11:52 am
Pope Francis waves to the faithful during his weekly General Audience at the Paul VI Hall on February 05, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo courtesy of Vatican Media via Getty Images)
(Photo courtesy of Vatican Media via Getty Images)
Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s first Latin American pontiff, died at the age of 88 and reactions to his death have begun to pour in.
“It’s a holy experience,” Reverend Gary Lazzeroni, the vicar general for the Archdiocese of Seattle, told KIRO Newsradio. “He was so genuine and warm and welcoming.”
The Vatican released the cause of death for Pope Francis, stating he died of a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible “cardiocirculatory collapse.”
Pope Francis suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man. He was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
“I feel like I have to go to church or something,” Seattle resident Kiera told KIRO Newsradio. “I’m definitely going to look into what memorials are going on? That’s really sad.”
Pope Francis was initially the Archbishop of Buenos Aires before being elected Pope. His home country, Argentina, is postponing all soccer matches today as it mourns. The games will be moved to Tuesday, and will be preceded by a minute of silence.
“I just said some prayers right away. Just right away to first repose his soul, make sure he gets to where he needs to be,” Christopher, a Seattle resident, said to KIRO Newsradio. “I might hold some special space in my heart for his passing. And that’s really all I can do.”
Pope Francis’ impact beyond the Catholic Church
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Many high-ranking religious leaders have cited Pope Francis’ efforts to engage in interfaith dialogue. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, the leader of the Orthodox Christians, said Pope Francis’ wish was for a greater unity with the Orthodox. He also involved himself in the conflict in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire.
“It’s just really sad. I think he was a good Pope,” Justin, a Seattle resident, said. “I’m not Catholic at all. I’m Jewish, but I have respect for him. Advancing LGBTQ rights in the Catholic Church, I just really appreciate everything he’s done.”
Contributing: Luke Duecy, KIRO Newsradio
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