St. AnthonyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Parish Administrative Assistant Debra Sisler stands inside the parish office where a picture of Pope Francis hangs on the wall across the street from St. AnthonyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Catholic Church on CharlestonÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s West Side Monday, April 21, 2025. Sisler said that soon after she heard of Pope FrancisÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ death she went to pray at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church in Elkview, close to her home.
St. AnthonyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Parish Administrative Assistant Debra Sisler stands inside the parish office where a picture of Pope Francis hangs on the wall across the street from St. AnthonyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Catholic Church on CharlestonÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s West Side Monday, April 21, 2025. Sisler said that soon after she heard of Pope FrancisÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ death she went to pray at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church in Elkview, close to her home.
The death of Pope Francis, historyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s first Latin American pontiff for , resonated throughout the Mountain State on Monday.
Francis, 88, suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man. He died Monday, hours after making his last public appearance on Easter Sunday to bless thousands in St. PeterÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Square. Francis was admitted to a Rome hospital on Feb. 14 for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there.
When the news broke early Monday morning, Debra Sisler stopped at her home church, in Elkview, West Virginia, to pray. She works at on CharlestonÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s West Side.
Sisler noted it was ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œbeautiful and sadÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ that Francis died following one last Easter service.
Deacon David Wuletich, of St. Anthony Catholic Church, said, ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThe passing of Pope Francis is a profound loss for the world. He was a beacon of humility, compassion, and progressive leadership in a time that we desperately needed ... His legacy will live on in the hearts of millions.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
He praised FrancisÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s environmental stewardship, interfaith dialogue and empathy.
The Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, also applauded these facets of FrancisÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s reign in a statement released Monday morning, including his stances regarding those who are ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œoften overlooked and even despised.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œHe has upheld the truth of the Catholic faith while showing great patience and sympathy toward those who find some of its moral and spiritual teachings difficult. He has reminded us that we must take better care of this Earth, our common home, or we may lose it,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ the bishop said.
Members of West VirginiaÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s political leadership also offered condolences.
U.S. Rep. Riley Moore R-W.Va., said in a statement, ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œIn his final message ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” shared just yesterday for Easter ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥” the Holy Father wrote: ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥˜Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ A fitting end to a papacy focused on joy.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said, ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œPope Francis lived a life marked by deep faith, service to God, and compassion to those in need. This is a loss that will be felt far and wide amongst the Catholic community. We honor his legacy. May he rest in peace.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Monday afternoon, Gov. Patrick Morrisey ordering flags to be flown at half mast until sunset on the day of FrancisÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ internment.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWe join Catholics around the world to mourn the loss of Pope Francis,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Morrisey said in a news release. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œHis Holiness served the Church with dignity, compassion and a humble heart while teaching all of us how to live closer to God.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Sierra Marling covers health and education. Reach her at 502-783-6738 or . Follow on X.
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