Providence College mourns the loss of Pope Francis

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Memorials and shrines have begun appearing across the globe to honor the life of Pope Francis.

Here in Providence, the Friars at Providence College are paying tribute through prayer and reflection.

“I think I immediately thought of the fact that the day before [his death] was Easter Sunday and he didn’t live to experience a complete day after that which is a testament to his holiness,” Providence College freshman Giana Ribeiro said.

Following the death of Pope Francis, students and staff at PC are reflecting on his legacy.

“My first reaction was sadness,” Father Simon Teller, OP said. “I love Pope Francis and as the pope he is so near and dear to our hearts.”

With the pope’s passing, St. Dominic’s Church on campus set up a shrine for prayer with prayer cards available.

“I was overcome with emotion as he passed by,” Ribeiro said.

Students at PC recounted their memories of the pope, with some memories more personal than others.

“He walked out and was waving and saying hello, and I was right up there because I was really young and I shook his hand and stuff,” Providence College freshman Sarah Devine said. “It was so surreal.”

For another student, although he didn’t have the opportunity to meet the Pope in person, his sister was part of the last audience to ever be in the pope’s presence.

“My sister is currently in Rome and she was there for holy week,” Providence College freshman Brian Ladino said. “On Easter she had an audience with him, one of the last audiences with him before he died.”

Black bunting is draped over the outside of the chapel on campus, which symbolizes the church in a state of mourning.

Once Pope Francis is officially laid to rest, cardinals under the age of 80 from all over the world will meet in Rome for a conclave to vote for a new pope.

“I do think it will be kind of interesting going forward,” Devine said. “Like who becomes the new pope and how it changes people’s reactions to the church.”