‘You do feel a loss’: Lincoln Catholics mourning Pope Francis
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lincoln Catholics are mourning the death of Pope Francis, while carrying on his legacy.
On Tuesday, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska served free coffee and fellowship to those in need, just like Francis taught.
Three workers there — Jamie Carson, Katie Patrick and Marilu Cazares — told Channel 8 how they are feeling after the pope’s death.
“During this time, you do feel a loss in terms of a spiritual leader for the whole world having passed,” Carson said. “It impacts people in many different ways, and with a new pope starting the election process in 15 to 20 days, it is that time of waiting and healing and prayer.”
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Marilu Cazares said she is definitely feeling the grief that comes with the passing of a pope.
“There’s a little bit of spiritual anxiety,” she said. “Kind of figuring out what’s next and who’s going to be next.”
Patrick said she is excited to see what will happen within the church.
“I don’t necessarily have the anxiety, but more the anticipation,” she said. “Knowing that it is the seat of Peter and the head of the holy church, I’m just eager to see who our next Holy Father will be, and to pray not only for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, but also praying for the next pope.”
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Although there has been some controversy surrounding Pope Francis’ ideals, the women say it’s OK to not agree.
And Patrick said the important thing as Catholics is to remain strong in your faith.
“These aren’t the only unique times that have occurred in the church,” she said. “The church has been around for 2,000 years. Surely, there have been cultural issues that people haven’t always seen eye-to-eye on. But that’s not the purpose of the church, and that’s not the purpose of the pope. The role of the pope is to bring us closer to Jesus.”
