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Alongside the world, Phoenix mourns Pope Francis

KJZZ | By Kirsten Dorman

Published April 22, 2025 at 5:40 AM MST

A statue of Pope John Paul II is seen here; the statue stands with its arms raised and in this photo has two long strips of black cloth tied to each wrist. — A statue of Pope John Paul II at the Phoenix Diocese campus is decorated in mourning Pope Francis' death following Easter weekend.

As the world begins to process the loss of Pope Francis over the weekend, it’s hitting many in the Latino Catholic community especially hard.

Father John Muir said that for the Phoenix Diocese, that’s certainly true.

“He loved to say in Spanish, ‘todos, todos, todos,’ which is everyone,” Muir said. “Like, I want everybody in, without exception. And so, that's the way I think here in Phoenix we really want to emulate his leadership is: todos, todos, todos.”

A statue of Mother Teresa is seen here, surrounded by a bush of pink flowers. The statue's hands are held as if in Christian prayer, palms pressed together over the chest, and a long black strip of fabric has been tied around them. — A statue of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, or Mother Teresa, at the Phoenix Diocese campus is decorated in mourning Pope Francis' death following Easter weekend.

“I cried and I was in disbelief,” recalled Marybeth Abodeely, a parishioner at Saint Francis Xavier’s in Phoenix, shaking her head. “I thought, that can't be. I just saw him live in person, as did the world, for Easter. And I thought, wow, this – no.”

Muir said the late Pope’s ability to connect with people is a key part of his legacy.

“For Christians and non-Christians alike, he set such a great example of tenderness and love and connection with people,” Muir said. “That's definitely what I'm trying to emulate in my life as a priest, and I think it's a great example for everybody.”

A view of the side of Saint Francis Xavier's Parish in Phoenix; a large sidewalk area is seen with a wooden cross in the foreground and the parish hall itself in the background. A few people wearing mostly black and white dress clothes are seen in the background under a blue sky in the middle of the day. — Parishioners at Saint Francis Xavier's Parish in Phoenix expressed shock and sadness at the death of Pope Francis following Easter weekend.

It’s something the whole world also shares, said Muir, and is going through together. Abodeely echoed that sentiment, saying she hopes people will take the opportunity to open their minds.

“No matter what the faith is. If you've never been to a Catholic wedding, go,” Abodeely said. “If you've never been to a Jewish ceremony, go. Or a Muslim or Mormon – whatever, go to have the experience.”

Muir said that in addition to a special mass to be held Tuesday night, April 22, in downtown Phoenix, the diocese is planning to announce more events to commemorate Pope Francis’ memory.