GREENSBURG DIOCESE BISHOP RELEASES STATEMENT ON PASSING OF POPE FRANCIS

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg has released a statement on the death of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier today at the age of 88.

His passing is being felt throughout the world, including by Bishop Larry Kulick of the Diocese of Greensburg.  In a statement on the diocese’s Facebook Page, Kulick said that he was grateful that he bestowed the title of bishop in 2020.

Bishop Kulick said that a hallmark of Pope Francis’ work was that he was a pastor at heart.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, Bishop Kulick got the chance to be in the Pope’s presence in 2022 while attending the formation for new bishops.  He said that the Pope told those gathered that he was ready to listen to them about their concerns.

A nine-day period of mourning has started for Christians around the world.  After that, cardinals are expected to gather at the Sistine Chapel to select the next Pope.

We are working on getting further comment from local pastors on Pope Francis’ passing.