In the morning after Easter Sunday, the pontiff of the Catholic faith, Pope Francis, passed away from a stroke. While Francis has passed, his mark on the Catholic faith is here to stay. 

Donivan Bullins | donivanbullins@ku.edu

Formerly known as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Bergoglio took on the name Francis when ascending to the papacy. Named after St. Francis of Asissi, Pope Francis alluded to their work in common… caring for those of different backgrounds. 

During his 12 years as Pope, Francis worked to open the church’s doors to everyone, regardless of status or faith. He famously washed the feet of women and muslim people on Holy Thursday, an unprecedented act that became highly controversial. 

“I think Pope Francis was really beautiful with reminding the church and reminding all of us human beings that our enemy is never another person,” Father Luke, pastor at the St. Lawrence Catholic Center, said. “Our enemy is not the other political party. God is for everybody, and everybody has the right to know his love. I personally hope that will be Francis’s lasting legacy.”

At KU, the Catholic Center strives to continue Pope Francis’s legacy by making their church a place for everyone. 

“It’s great to realize how many kinds of people there are, even within the St. Lawrence Center, and truly found best friends. And a friend group that maybe a younger me would have never thought was possible,” KU senior Maria Matulis said.

For those interested in attending mass at the St. Lawrence Catholic Center, visit its website here for service times every Sunday.