Staff Share Thoughts & Memories of Pope Francis after his passing. Father Benny, Ms. Parker, Ms. H. Hughes, Ms. Cleary, Ms. Thomas, and Dr. Tranter share their personal stories. Explaining what made Pope Francis and his presence so special to them.
A memory etched in my heart forever…
Back in 2016, as Rosminians, we were given the rare honour of assisting at the Papal Mass offered for the deceased Cardinals. There were 16 of us, some just fresh into theological formation, including me. We had attended the liturgical practice before the Mass, buzzing with excitement. Then came the moment where things took a turn: we were told there were too many of us. The senior groups kindly suggested that we first years step back, since we might get a chance another time.
I remember standing quietly, watching as the others were called forward. Then came the Monsignors, lining us up by height. One by one, they selected everyone — everyone except me and an Italian brother. We were the shortest. Smiling politely but inwardly felt the sinking weight of disappointment. Figuring our role would be to simply observe from the sidelines.
And then, something truly unexpected happened. A Monsignor walked toward us and said something we never imagined: “You two will carry the microphone and the Missal for the Holy Father for the entire Mass.”
Just like that, from being the “extra” ones, we were entrusted with a role so close and so profound. I carried the microphone for Pope Francis throughout the liturgy. My eyes never left his face — his calm presence, his humility, and his gentle simplicity. It was not just a task, it was a spiritual encounter. That day, I learned something unforgettable: sometimes, being overlooked puts you in the perfect position to be seen in a way that truly matters.
A moment of grace. A lifetime memory.
Pope Francis was a voice of compassion and kindness in a world which, at times, seems to be growing more polarised and individualistic. I feel that irrespective of your personal belief, he encapsulated our responsibility to one another. Providing empathy for those who may be marginalised in society and a need to preserve and respect our planet.
Although I never met the Pope, I was very much aware of his influence when I travelled to Argentina with the college. I was lucky enough to attend mass on Easter Sunday in the cathedral at Buenos Aires, where he served as archbishop. His home city was undeniably proud of him, evidenced in the prolific number of pictures and statues across the city.
Although I am not Catholic, I have great respect for Pope Francis as a spiritual leader whose message of compassion and inclusivity spoke to people of all faiths. I had the privilege of seeing him in person during World Youth Day 2023 in Portugal while chaperoning a group of young people from St David’s and the Diocese of Cardiff-Menevia, where his words about mercy, openness, and a call to meet others with compassion rather than judgment left a deep impression on me.
Even from outside the Catholic tradition, I can see how he helped shape a vision of the Church as welcoming, humble, and committed to justice and care for others. Experiencing his leadership firsthand, particularly during moments of prayer in Lisbon and Fatima, was incredibly moving, and I will always remember his legacy of hope, kindness, and service.
I loved the direction that Pope Francis was taking the church in. We were all moved closer to the teachings of Jesus under his stewardship. I pray for a successor to carry on the work he started.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to attend Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on two occasions. The first time, Pope Francis passed by in his Popemobile, and it felt as though he made eye contact with every single person in the crowd — a moment of deep connection. On my second visit, I was leading a school trip, and one of the students in our group used a wheelchair. Because of that, we were guided down to the front row for the Mass. After the service, Pope Francis came down, blessed the student, and gently kissed his hand. It was a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.
I took this photograph on 5 August 2023 in Fatima, Portugal, during the World Youth Day pilgrimage with students from St David’s College. It was the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows, a date that honours the Basilica of Mary Major in Rome where he would later be buried.
The second photograph shows some of the 150,000 people at the first Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican when the COVID-19 lockdown had lifted. My wife and I walked to St Peter’s Square very, very early that day and we managed to get seats. You can see us (just about!) circled in red – I’m wearing the white shirt (surprise, surprise).
I was lucky enough to see Pope Francis speak five times during his pontificate. His witness was a powerful example of what Christian life can be, and helped me in my decision to join the Catholic Church.
He was born during the week before Christmas, on 17 December, and died during the week after Easter, the day after the Sunday celebration. But this timing also allows us to see that the Mystery of the Resurrection was at the absolute centre of Pope Francis’s life; the guiding star that navigated his thoughts and prayers and motivations; and how its depth and power reveals something true and precious and eternal for us all.