‘A light of Christ’: faith and secular leaders reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis – Amityville Record

Amityville, North Amityville, Copiague, East Massapequa, and Long Island, New York
Thursday, May 1, 2025
 
Just before his 17th birthday, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was hurrying to meet friends when something compelled him to step into the Basilica of St. Joseph in Buenos Aires. That moment would change the course of his life, inspiring him to become a priest and eventually lead the Catholic Church as Pope Francis.
Born in 1936 in Buenos Aires, he was ordained a Jesuit priest at age 33 and then, in 2013, became the first pope in centuries who was not from Europe.
The Jesuit order is known for its emphasis on humility, care for the poor and respect for Indigenous peoples — values that shaped Francis’ papacy and helped earn him admiration both within and beyond the Catholic Church.
He was recognized for his humility and personal touch until the day he died, Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He was buried April 26 after thousands went to Rome to mourn him.
On Long Island, local faith leaders shared their memories and thoughts.
Bishop John Barres, who leads the Diocese of Rockville Centre, reflected on the pontiff’s impact.
“As we mourn the death of Pope Francis on this Easter Octave Monday and the gift of his contemplative global evangelization grounded in Matthew 25 and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, we give thanks to Father, Son and Holy Spirit for his unique graces and charisms,” Barres said. “During his pontificate, he has been a light of Jesus Christ and the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church to the world.”
“The pope lived a life that eschewed pomp and privilege in order to reflect godly values of humility and service,” said the Rev. Brad Morgan of the First Presbyterian Church of Babylon. “Francis met people where they were and ministered to them, highlighting those who were most vulnerable or downtrodden. He most certainly lived up to his namesake, St. Francis. Despite differences, the world will grieve a figure who took great effort and care to authentically and faithfully love the totality of humanity.”
The Rev. Fr. Demetrios Kazakis, presiding priest at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in West Babylon, recalled meeting Francis in 2012.
“I had the opportunity to shake his hand and receive his blessing,” Kazakis said. “He was the model of kindness and prayer. In the light of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we commit our prayers to the soul of the Holy Father Pope Francis, extending our wishes of bereavement to our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters.”
The Rev. Randolph Jon Geminder of St. Mary’s Church in Amityville said Francis’ openness kept the church engaged with the broader public.
“In an age where all branches of churches and religions seem to be in retreat, especially since the pandemic, I think Pope Francis kept the church in public dialogue, even though not all devout Catholics agreed with his positions,” he said. “I believe this will be his greatest legacy.”
Phyllis Zagano, a senior research associate in-residence in the department of religion at Hofstra University and an expert on women deacons, served on Francis’ 2016 commission to study the issue — the only commissioner from the Western Hemisphere.
“Pope Francis will be remembered as the pope who opened the door to more people, especially laypeople and women, to participate in conversations about how the Church might best move forward,” Zagano said.
On the global stage, Francis was both praised and criticized for his socially progressive views. He urged world leaders to pursue economic justice, environmental stewardship and human rights. He was a vocal opponent of the death penalty, calling it inadmissible in all cases.
Local political leaders also recognized the pope’s influence.
“The pontiff brought great reforms and spiritual leadership to so many across the world,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “He will long be remembered and loved for his unification and message of respect to all.”
Saladino said he was fortunate to attend a Mass led by Francis at Madison Square Garden in 2015.
“This experience only increased my great respect for his life and service,” he said. “He was a compassionate and courageous spiritual leader who inspired many to seek a better, more peaceful world.”
Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer said Francis’ message transcended faith.
“With words, deeds and humble acts of kindness, Pope Francis led and inspired the world,” Schaffer said. “In these divided and challenging times, he brought us together by bridging differences with love and empathy. Pope Francis truly made the world a better place. Now it is our mission to carry his teachings and legacy forward by living with purpose and leading with love.”
This story was originally posted online last week and made available to subscribers at: Massapequapost.com, Babylonbeacon.com and Amityvillerecord.com
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