Virginians from high-ranking clergy to parishioners and politicians fondly remembered Pope Francis, who died on Monday at 88, as an emblem of humility and compassion who welcomed the poor and the poor in spirit.
Reverend Barry Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, speaks during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.
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Matthew Coleman prays during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond on Monday.
I am so saddened by the death of Pope Francis, who modeled humility and compassion as he led the Catholic Church. I met him once in Rome and we talked in Spanish about the need for all to provide hospitality to refugees. At the end of our conversation, he switched into English… pic.twitter.com/4g7V7sTYxF
— Senator Tim Kaine (@SenTimKaine) April 21, 2025
Pope Francis greets Bishop Barry Knestout of the Diocese of Richmond.
People stand outside of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond following a Catholic Mass in memory of Pope Francis on Monday.
Reverend Barry Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, described Pope Francis as a person who had a simple conversational style, a casual style — like what you might find in a pastor from a local parish.
Margaret Doyle touches a photograph of Pope Francis following a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.
Pope Francis blessed Marian Pope’s unborn baby in Rome on Oct. 16 during a pilgrimage by parishioners of the Basilica of Saint Andrew in Roanoke. Pope grew up going to the Roanoke church but moved out of state last year with her husband. She attended the pilgrimage to Rome with her parents.
Molly Bergen, 22, of Richmond, said, “I was baptized just last year, and it was such a shock to hear that he had died. But I’m so blessed that I was able to be baptized and confirmed and just come into the church during his pontificate.”
PHOTOS: Richmond mourns Pope Francis
Matthew Coleman prays during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond on Monday.
Reverend Barry Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, described Pope Francis as a person who had a simple conversational style, a casual style — like what you might find in a pastor from a local parish.
People pray during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Monday, April 21, 2025. Pope Francis passed away this morning.
Reverend Barry Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond speaks during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Monday, April 21, 2025. Pope Francis passed away this morning.
Reverend Barry Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond speaks during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Monday, April 21, 2025. Pope Francis passed away this morning.
Molly Bergen, 22, of Richmond, said, “I was baptized just last year, and it was such a shock to hear that he had died. But I’m so blessed that I was able to be baptized and confirmed and just come into the church during his pontificate.”
Reverend Barry Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, speaks during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.
People stand outside of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond following a Catholic Mass in memory of Pope Francis on Monday.
Margaret Doyle touches a photograph of Pope Francis following a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.
People leave the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond following a Catholic Mass in memory of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. Pope Francis passed away this morning.
People pray during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Monday, April 21, 2025. Pope Francis passed away this morning.
Reverend Barry Knestout, Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond speaks during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Monday, April 21, 2025. Pope Francis passed away this morning.
A person enters the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, where Catholic Mass is being held for the late Pope Francis who passed away this morning, Monday, April 21, 2025.
Robbie Ludvigsen prays during a Catholic Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond, Monday, April 21, 2025. Pope Francis passed away this morning.
