Today, April 26, 2025, I woke up at 4 am to watch the live broadcast of Pope Francis I being laid to rest.

I remember the day Francis was elected. My husband Scott and I watched as on the TV the night sky hugged the Vatican and the new pope appeared on the balcony. I thought to myself “He’s going to choose the name Francis. And if he does, it will be good for the Church and the world.” He chose Francis, the first to take that name. Francis of Assisi was a loving, kind, and giving man who was sainted. I was so happy. I looked at my husband, who, as a little boy, had the Holy Spirit visit him, smile at me with joy too.

The very next day my mother passed. She had been raised Catholic, by a woman who thought about being a nun, and I know that she was pleased in both her earthly and spirit self.

All of these things are flooding my mind. In my life now, I cannot sit with my husband as he died almost two years ago. My mother has been in spirit for years as had my father. Both of my parents were devoted Unitarian-Universalists and I was raised in and am a proud member of that faith.

I loved Pope Francis. I alwasy called him “Il Papa” in my mind. I loved reading about him, I loved seeing his picture. He just gave me hope. I wish I could have met him. I would have asked to bring him food or water or whatever simple thing he needed. I would have said to him “Please let me serve you today as you serve others.” We both love Mary. He will lay in rest in her basilica, Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

So why am I writing about Pope Francis? Because today of all days I have turned on one of my favorite movies, Angels & Demons. Laugh if you want but it is good and well made. In fact, I think the movie is much better than the book.

The movie begins with the death of a pope. Although made a few years before Pope Francis was elected, the mourners are mourning for a progressive and beloved pope. Sounds right. Art predicting life? Who knows.

My husband and I used to watch the movie in marathon stretches because we both really enjoyed it.

So today as I cry, for the loss of my husband, the loss of Il Papa, the loss of other loved ones, I will watch a movie I enjoyed with my beloved and hope for the world.

Pope Francis, if you can hear me, please know I hope to see Pope Francis II, soon.

Be well.