The unexpected announcement that His Holiness Pope Francis passed away at 7:35am Rome time, on Monday, April 21, 2025, was received with deep sorrow and immediate response from our local Church. From personal papa visits to interactions, reflections and prayers, many are sharing the impact he made through a variety of news agencies.  

WFLA News Channel 8 - Bishop Gregory Parkes provides his thoughts following the announcement of Pope Francis’ death, sharing his own personal experience of meeting him. Click here to read this story.

Gulf Coast Catholic - Father Joe Waters shares his thoughts on Pope Francis's lasting legacy. Click here to read this story.

Gulf Coast Catholic - Rabbi A. James Rudin reflects on ways the pontiff has made history and an impact on the world. Click here to read this story.

WFLA-AM - Reporter Gordon Byrd interviewed Dr. Stephen Okey, associate professor of theology and religion and Director of Saint Leo University's Doctor of Theology program, who explained what lies ahead after Pope Francis's passing.

Yahoo.com News - Monday morning, parishioners of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg celebrated Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. Sentiments were shared about the late pope’s kindness and impact. Click here to read this story.

10 Tampa Bay and Bay News 9 - Tampa area parishes as well as St. Petersburg parishes announced times for prayer on April 21 with pastors sharing their sentiments and prayers. Click here to read Tampa parishes story.

Click here to read St. Petersburg parishes story. 

Fox 13 News - Evan Axelbank interviewed Bishop Parkes, Father Len Plazewski, pastor of Christ the King in Tampa, and a parishioner from the area about their memories of Pope Francis. Click here to view.

ABC Action News - Hispanic Catholics in the Tampa Bay area reflect on what the first Latin American Pope meant to them. Click here to view.

Citrus County Chronicle - Pastor of St. Scholastica Paris in Lecanto, Father Kenneth Malley, shares his thoughts on the late Pope Francis’s papacy. Click here to read this story.

WFLA News Channel 8 - Eileen Odom, principal of Morning Star Catholic School, shares the story of the students writing letters and collecting drawings to deliver to Pope Francis before his passing, to which they received a response. She reflects on the experience and connection this made. Click here to read this story.

ABC Action News - Parishioners at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa express their sadness as all mourn the pope’s death. Click here to read this story.

The Patch - Many throughout the state respond to the pope’s passing by sharing stories, thoughts, prayers, and expressions of grief. Click here to read this story.

Telemundo 49 - (Spanish) Retired priest Father Eugene Gancarz shared testimony of knowing Pope Francis before becoming pope and shared about his love and care for those he encountered. Click here to view this story.

Telemundo 49 - (Spanish) A journalist from Argentina who lives in the Tampa Bay area shares her experiences traveling with Pope Francis on trips around the world. Click here to view this story.

News updates from the Vatican as well as information on parishes in the local area who are offering times of prayer for the pope can be found here