Elon's Catholic Campus Ministry and students reflect on Pope Francis after his death on April 21, 2025.
The news of Pope Francis’s passing on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, sent a ripple through the Catholic community at Elon. It has allowed for an incredible moment to think about the twelve years he spent as pope and the profound impact he had on so many lives.
Since he took office in 2013, Pope Francis has become more than just a religious leader; he has been a bridge-builder and a tireless worker in tackling global issues. Admired for his humility, Pope Francis was a true reflection of Jesus Christ’s love and mercy on earth.
For many people, Pope Francis represented something special within the Church.
“Pope Francis has been a figure that many young people can rally around,” said Jillian Thomas ’25 “Every fall at Org Fair, folks get so excited about our cardboard cutout of him and want to take pictures with it!”
It’s this kind of connection that shows how much he meant to students—he was seen as a “symbol of hope” on campus, especially highlighted by the turnout at the memorial Mass held in Numen Lumen on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
“Even though we’re feeling the grief of this transition, I believe he brought a lot of new faces to the faith, and they’ll continue to grow in whatever direction God guides us next,” said Thomas.
Many grew up with Pope Francis, who influenced their faith from the very start. The way Pope Francis lived and spoke shaped the spiritual journeys of a generation.
“Growing up in the 2010s, Pope Francis was my introduction to Catholicism. I always felt proud seeing him as the leader of our Church,” said Anthony Nunno ’27 “His teachings help me keep deepening my faith and understanding of life.”
“In 2017, I stood just a few feet away from Pope Francis during the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, said Sydney Michel ’27. “The air felt full of something sacred, and in that moment, I was completely still, soaking in the peace, the beauty, and the power of it all. Seeing him up close, so humble and full of grace, I understood why he meant so much, not just to me, but to people all around the world. That moment in Rome left a mark on my heart. It reminded me that holiness doesn’t have to be loud—it can live in the quiet power of a kind word, a loving gesture, or a leader who walks with the people.”
The entire Catholic Church has been in a nine-day period of mourning, praying for Pope Francis and reflecting on his life and legacy, and how we can honor him through our own lives.
“Pope Francis had this rare kind of presence. Gentle but strong. Simple but profound,” said Michel. “His kindness and the way he loved and led with compassion for all people is something I’ll always carry with me. As we say goodbye, I hope we can all hold onto the goodness he brought into the world and try to live with a little more love because of him.”