Death of Pope Francis brings Seattle Catholics to St. James Cathedral

The voice of Very Rev. Michael Ryan echoed in the high ceilings of St. James Cathedral on Seattle’s First Hill hours after the death of Pope Francis, 88, was announced on Easter Monday.

“Love and life conquer fear and death,” the reverend said to a crowd of about 50 sitting in the pews. “That’s why we are here today. It is how Pope Francis lived his life and ministry.”

Leticia Escobar sniffled and dabbed a tissue under her eyes to wipe her tears. She hadn’t planned to attend Mass that morning but became emotional when she heard news of the pontiff’s passing while preparing to go to work.

“He just exemplified God’s love. Care for people. Treat them with respect, with love, with kindness. And it’s a really great loss,” Escobar said as she left the cathedral.

She said she hoped for a busy day at work that would distract from that loss.

A pope of many firsts, Francis was the first Latin American pontiff and first Jesuit. Naming himself for Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his poverty and his value around peace and ecological protection, Pope Francis embraced refugees, critiqued capitalism and climate change, and stressed humility.   

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Pope Francis’ death followed his 38-day hospitalization in February and March for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.

He made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City before briefly meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

“By his teaching and pastoral charity, he has reminded us that the heart of God is loving mercy and all people are called to exercise this mercy in all of our relationships,” said Ryan, reading a statement from Seattle Archbishop Paul Etienne to the churchgoers. “May Pope Francis now experience the same loving mercy from the living God he served so selflessly throughout his ministry and life.”

Etienne was appointed by Francis in 2019 to be the sixth archbishop of the Seattle Archdiocese encompassing Western Washington, which at the time was home to an estimated Roman Catholic population of roughly 640,000. 

“It should be joy for us, but right now I just feel sadness and fear with what’s going on in the world, and Pope Francis was just my hope,” Escobar said, “for better things, for a better world, for people. So I just feel a very profound sadness right now.”

Rachel and Edgar Bungay, parishioners at St. James Cathedral, had hoped one day to see Pope Francis at the Vatican for an Easter Mass. For Rachel, Francis was a pope not just for the Catholics, but for everyone. 

“He’s hope for the vulnerable, he’s hope for people who cannot speak for themselves,” she said. “Especially for the immigrants.”

Francis had often advocated for migrants across the world. In February, he sent a letter to U.S. bishops decrying the Trump administration’s plans for mass deportations, saying doing so would deprive immigrants of their humanity.

The Bungays still want to spend Easter at the Vatican one day, even if Francis will not be there to celebrate with them. 

“Hopefully the new pope will be the same,” Bungay said.

Material from The Associated Press is included in this story.