‘I am quite shocked’: Bishop Johnston reacts to Pope Francis’ death
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) -Catholics around the world and in Kansas City are mourning the death of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old ed away on Easter Monday.
“I have to be honest; I am quite shocked,” Bishop James Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph said.
Pope Francis’ death comes less than 24 hours after he made a public appearance in front of thousands for Easter Sunday. The pontiff also held a brief meeting with Vice President JD Vance.
“Even with his recent hospitalization and the close call he had then,” Bishop Johnston said. “This is a mixture of both grief and great surprise.”
While Johnston s many religious leaders in shock, he also finds beauty in the timing of his ing.
“In some ways, it’s quite beautiful that he goes home to God immediately after celebrating the lord’s victory over the grave,” he explained.
Bishop Johnston had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis, also referred to as the “People’s Pope,” in 2020.
“[I ed] other bishops from Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa,” he said. “It was certainly exciting to have so much time set aside to talk informally and from the heart with Pope Francis.”
As Easter celebrations continue, Bishop Johnston says memorial Masses will not begin in Kansas City until the week of April 28.
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