Pope Francis’ legacy is being felt deeply in South Florida, especially at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School in southwest Miami-Dade, where he holds a special connection as the first Jesuit pope.
“God gave Pope Francis to the church for some time and when his mission was complete he was called home,” said Father Willy, president of Belen Jesuit.
The Argentine-born pontiff was also the first Latin American pope — a distinction that resonates with Belen, a school founded in Cuba with strong ties to Latin America.
“Pope Francis was a very significant pope for us. (He was the) first Jesuit pope, first Latin American pope, and as you know, Belen has its roots in Latin America. We started in Cuba,” Father Willy said.
Willy said the loss is especially meaningful in South Florida not just because of the large Catholic population, but because of the values Pope Francis stood for.
“I think it’s also significant because … issue of immigration … this pope had taken the lead universal voice for the dignity of the immigrant,” he said.
Across South Florida, Catholics gathered in prayer at local churches to honor the pope and reflect on his life.
“We should remain hopeful and keep the faith that has brought us together,” said Priscilla Odom of Coral Gables.
“We came to pray so the Catholic church has the wisdom to choose the right leader,” added Paola Arias, also of Coral Gables.
Despite his status as the leader of the Catholic Church, those who met Pope Francis say he carried himself with humility and heart.
Father Willy recalled meeting him unexpectedly at a small breakfast spot in Rome.
“So I thought it was a very beautiful exchange … wasn’t planned … no appointment … it was just call it a Godincidence,” he said.
Coral Gables Commissioner Kirk Menendez also had the opportunity to meet the pope at the Vatican.
He gifted him a stuffed animal mascot from St. Theresa School named Louis.
“He grabbed Louis, looked at and yelled ‘this is adorable’ and he clearly was a child at heart,”’ Menendez said.
Father Willy noted that even in his final days, Pope Francis remained devoted.
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