Pope Francis remembered in Macon for humility, compassion

Local clergy remember Pope Francis for his humility and compassion for the poor. A requiem mass will be held Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Macon.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing, people around the world—and here in Middle Georgia—are honoring his legacy and the impact he had on the global Catholic community.

Father John Johnson, pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Macon, reflected on what Pope Francis’ legacy.

“He reminded us how important it is for us to be connected to our people, Father Johnson said.

He also mentioned the late pontiff’s dedication to society’s most vulnerable.

“He left us with a legacy of attending to those that are on the periphery of society, those that are poor and often neglected and overlooked,” he said.

Sister Deborah Mallott, Director at DePaul USA Daybreak in Macon, says the pope’s message was simple.

“We should always reach out to the poor, to the marginalized, to people in need, and try to make a better world—to work for the common good for all people,” she said.

Father Johnson said Pope Francis’s example was deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“He had a particular talent for his appeal to the common bonds of humanity,” he said. “He allowed us to share in the sufferings of each person—really in a special way to have hearts that are always open to each other.”

Johnson also recalled the humility Pope Francis embodied throughout his papacy.

“That’s a humble man,” he said. “Underneath it all, he’s a shepherd.”

According to Johnson, a requiem mass for Pope Francis will be held this Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Macon. Planning is still underway, but all are welcome to attend and honor the late pope’s life and ministry.