Emotional tributes poured in from across the United States on Monday following the death of Pope Francis, with mourners highlighting the late pontiff’s compassion and humility — often in sharp contrast to the tone and policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
At St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, hundreds gathered to pray and reflect, many holding candles or laying flowers near a bust of the pope. A portrait of Francis stood nearby, drawing a steady stream of mourners, both locals and tourists.
“We lost a very good man,” said Peter, a 70-year-old worshipper who declined to give his last name. “He cared about (people) most of us forget about — the poor, the downtrodden, the forgotten, and the healing power of forgiveness.” Peter added that he saw a stark disconnect between Francis’s values and those of the current administration. “We have a president and an administration that's turning the country in a direction that is in complete contradiction of the values that this pope espoused.”
Tears flowed for many, including New Yorker Cathy Colecchi, who praised the pope’s legacy of inclusion. “I really haven't attended a mass for a very, very long time,” she said. “I surprisingly find myself today, very, very sad.”
‘A shock’
News of Francis’s passing came just one day after he delivered his Easter blessing, leaving many stunned by the sudden turn in his condition.
“Some shock and also sorrow. We just saw Pope Francis on our TV screens yesterday,” said Father Aquinas Guilbeau, chaplain at The Catholic University of America, speaking outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. “News of his passing so soon after seeing him in public, it is a bit of a surprise and a shock.”
Outside the Washington National Cathedral, mourners gathered to share prayers and memories. Mark Smerkanich, a 71-year-old retiree, lamented what he described as a lack of Christian leadership in U.S. politics. “He was much more Christian than... for example, the people who are in office now who claim to be Christian, especially our president, whose name I will not say.”
Vice President JD Vance, who visited the Vatican shortly before Francis’s death, drew mixed reactions for his meeting with the pope.
“It was very strange that (US Vice President JD) Vance spoke to him and saw him yesterday, considering their conflict of issues,” said Mark Carey, a New York resident. “Hopefully he was able to enlighten Vance.”
‘More forgiving’
Many mourners reflected on Francis’s stance on immigration, often drawing comparisons to Trump-era policies.
In Houston, Texas, 20-year-old software engineer John Abou Elias stood outside the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and praised the pope’s compassionate view on migration. “I agree with Pope Francis. I think that we need to be very moral in how we deal with immigrants, because immigrants is kind of what makes America one of the greatest countries,” he said. Washington’s current immigration policies, including mass deportations, “are a little bit immoral,” he added. “I just think that we need to be more forgiving.”
Outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Miami, thoughts turned to the future of the Catholic Church. Hilda Palermo, a freelancer, said she hoped the next pontiff would hold fast to church teachings. “I think we need people with values, to maintain the family — and I hope he'll be a person close to God.”
Pamela Garcia, who works at a printing company, had been following the pope’s health closely. “I had been praying for him to heal,” she said. “But the Lord called him home.”