The 88-year-old Pope Fransiscus died this morning at home, in Vatican City. He had just recovered from a double pneumonia, so he spent five weeks in the hospital. Yesterday he still spoke his Easter victory for thousands of people on the square from his wheelchair on the balcony.
That typifies this pope, says Dresmé. “He breathed the highest office because he stood among people. He went everywhere, was approachable and shared joys and sorrows with the people.”
The death of the pope came a bit unexpected for Dresmé. “He still spoke his Easter victory yesterday. You could say that he dragged himself to the people. But if you are honest, everyone could see it coming.”
Other daylight
At the Easter service that Dresmé will give today, he reflects on the death. “Everything will now be in a different light. We are going to miss the leadership that the church had been waiting for and that we enjoyed so much in recent years.”
According to Dresmé, this pope, who was born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, chose a special path. “He was less of the laws and more of justice. With simplicity and austerity he opted for charity and mercy.”
A lot of children will be present today. Dresmé will therefore not nominate his text as solemnly as normal. “I will characterize him for a good, sweet shepherd for all the people who believe in God. He would probably not have wanted that ceremony.”
Cathedral Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, pastor Eric Fennes of the Sint-Nicolaaskerk is shocked by the death. That church was elevated to a cathedral on 7 February by Pope Francis for the 750th anniversary of the city.
Fennes then visited Pope Francis where he also received an assignment. “He told us,” Amsterdam is important, take good care of it. “
With the humble attitude that, according to Fennes, was unique for this pope, the Amsterdam cathedral is now trying to give substance to that. “We work together with organizations that do a lot for the poor and homeless people. And we try to ensure that we are always a welcome church for all people.”