‘Today people are talking about legacy’: Alaska archbishop remembers Pope Francis

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Easter Monday, a Catholic holiday that continues the Easter Day celebration, is a day this year centered around grieving for many following the death of Pope Francis.

The news broke early Monday morning after Francis — the first Latin American pontiff — died after suffering a cerebral stroke, according to the Associate Press.

“I’m sure most of us are sad during this day because we all loved Holy Father Francis,” Andrew Bellisario, the Archbishop of Anchorage-Juneau, said. “He was suffering too. So, we are grateful that God has called him at this time so he isn’t suffering. And also grateful for the gift he has been to the church over these past 12 years.”

Bellisario told Alaska’s News Source during a one-on-one interview on Monday that he had the opportunity to meet Francis twice over the past 12 years, including when he was appointed as an Archbishop.

“I’m very grateful to him and feel that he had confidence in me,” Bellisario said.

Bellisario added that during his time with Francis, he noticed he was very personable.

He said Francis had a reputation for reaching out to marginalized people, including those who suffered mental illnesses and poverty.

“I think today, people are talking about legacy. I know tomorrow, the history books will certainly write about that,” Bellisario said. “He sent us in a direction that I think is very positive for all of us.”

The process to choose the next pope, Bellisario said, will happen following the nine days of mourning after Francis’ funeral.

For now, Bellisario said, his focus is on grieving and remembering the person Francis was.

“When that happens, we need time just to grieve,” Bellisario said. “When someone dies and there’s a lot of hurts, it’s usually a real good indicator of how much love is present, because love hurts, you know — it has its joys, but it also has its suffering too.”

No set services in Anchorage have been created to honor Francis’ life. Bellisario told Alaska’s News Source that plans in Alaska are still in the works.

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