Augustans pope for being open and loving

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - From mayors and governors to world leaders, by now, everybody has shared their condolences for the pope.

Here in the U.S., President Donald Trump has ordered all flags to fly at half-staff until the day of interment.

Closer to home, local Catholic churches and schools are in mourning.

In the aftermath of his ing, we’ve seen that Pope Francis’s loss extends far beyond just Catholics.

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Locals tell us he was known for being open and loving–something they try to be more like every day.

Whether you grew up in the church or not, the late pope made an impact all over the world.

“I have had so many people who weren’t Catholic tell me how much they liked the pope,” said Father Ross, St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church priest.

Even right here in Augusta.

“I was very upset,’ said Erin Safford, St. Mary’s mother’s day out pre-k teacher. “I feel like Pope Francis was just such a wonderful man. He was very good to the poor, and I feel like he was a very open pope who was open to talking to diverse groups.”

Bridging gaps–

“Between groups to Catholicism and to help us understand and to help them understand us, and I feel like he was just a good head of the church to represent that,” said Safford.

While also spreading his message.

“The pope had that gift of really reaching out, kind of challenging us not to just be insular, but to say our real mission is to go out and to bring others to Christ,” said Father Ross.

And hoping to bring more people to the church.

“I think history will show that he had a great impact on the church, helping it to be not lethargic or status quo,” said Father Ross. “To say we really have a lot of people we need to speak to because God has created us for unity.”

And show people they aren’t alone.

“I think the pope was trying to help young people to say, yes, you have concerns, yes, the world is changing, you know,. And we want to walk with you, but there is a path to walk,’ said Father Ross.

That’s a message that they try and on to the students here at St Mary’s, as many of us feel this loss.

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