As new American pope emerges, Fresno residents reflect on legacy of Pope Francis

When Kimberly Amigon saw Pope Francis waving and blessing the crowd from his popemobile at World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon — a global Catholic gathering held every few years for young people to celebrate and deepen their faith — she was overwhelmed with joy and felt a deep sense of peace.

She had been standing for hours in a crowd of thousands with fellow students from Fresno’s St. Paul Catholic Newman Center — something she never imagined doing. After leaving her hometown of Porterville and the Catholic community she grew up in, she felt lost in her faith and unsure where she belonged. 

She’d been “church-hopping,” searching for connection and one day decided to attend mass at the Newman Center, where a parishioner she’d previously met before, announced that the parish was starting a pilgrimage for World Youth Day. That moment, she said, felt like a sign from God that she was exactly where she needed to be.

When Francis died suddenly on April 21, the day after Easter Sunday, just after blessing thousands in St. Peter’s Square, it came as a shock to Amigon even though he had recently been released from a long hospital stay.

“My heart sank, because honestly, Pope Francis was one of my mentors — seeing how beautiful our faith was through him, how open and humble he was, how beautifully he spoke — really helped strengthen my own faith,” said Amigon. “After World Youth Day, I felt so drawn to him. When he passed, it felt almost selfish to feel that loss so deeply. But at the same time, there was a sense of peace. I know he’s now sitting with Jesus.”

The conclave to elect the next pope began on May 7. Out of the 252 members of the College of Cardinals, 133 were eligible to vote. By the following day, Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69, secured the required two-thirds majority votes and was elected the first American pope. He chose the name Pope Leo XIV.

Since Francis’ passing, Fresno’s Catholic community has mourned and reflected on the legacy of the first Latin American pope, remembering his commitment to inclusivity and service to underrepresented communities.  

How Pope Francis is a symbol for unity and acceptance of everyone

During Francis’ time as the 266th pope, he made significant changes to church policy, including declaring the death penalty “inadmissible” in all cases, no matter how severe the crime. He also broke with past church teaching by stating that not just the use, but even the possession of nuclear weapons is “immoral.”

Francis was also a vocal advocate for migrants throughout his papacy. In 2016, he prayed for deceased migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and brought 12 Syrian Muslims to Rome after visiting a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece. 

In February 2025, Francis sent a letter to the U.S. Catholic bishops criticizing the Trump administration’s stance on immigration. He described the president’s pledge of mass deportations as “a major crisis” and urged Catholics to reject policies that equate undocumented status with criminality.

Edgar Guzman, director of campus ministry at the Newman Center, said that Francis frequently visited small, often overlooked countries, sometimes as the first pope to do so, which sends a strong message about his global influence. 

His presence, Guzman said, carried significant weight, even in political spheres, and drew attention to the people and issues in those regions.

“That presence in marginalized communities is meaningful, especially here in the Central Valley,” Guzman said. “We have a lot of immigrants here and many of the young people I serve are immigrants or children of immigrants, so when the Pope reaches out to those who are marginalized, it prompts us to reflect on what the Church is doing for all communities, including our own.”

Francis also sent a message of welcome to LGBTQ+ people. In a 2023 interview with the Associated Press, he declared, “Being homosexual is not a crime,” and later approved blessings for same-sex couples, as long as they did not resemble traditional marriage ceremonies.

Amigon said that many people considered Francis controversial because he addressed topics that traditional Catholics often avoid. In her view, the pontiff was able to help people understand the importance of respecting others, showing kindness, and being merciful.

“Every time I heard him speak, it felt like God was speaking to us through him,” said Amigon. “He carried the Holy Spirit in such a powerful way, and I truly believe the messages he shared were ones God wanted the world to hear. I have so much respect for him—he felt like God’s presence here on Earth.”

Guzman said his parish has been inspired by, and is very much in line with, the spirit of Francis and his message, which “reflects the heart of Jesus: welcoming all, accompanying all, and entering into relationship with all people.”

He described Francis as someone who embraced that mission with “aggressive kindness,” whose words and actions made people feel seen and loved. 

“He didn’t hide who he was,” Guzman said. “He was simply himself, and that invited others to be who they are — in church, with one another, even with nonbelievers — as brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Guzman said the parish has tried to follow Francis’ example, and in his role as director of Campus Ministry, he strives to embody that same spirit — walking alongside university students and supporting young professionals as they navigate the transition into their careers.

When it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, Guzman said Francis made it clear that what truly matters isn’t how someone identifies or whether they believe, but how “we treat one another, how we care for creation, and how we love through God.” 

“We are all sons and daughters of one God, and we must treat each other that way,” said Guzman. “And Pope Francis, although he did it in a marvelous way through his actions and his words, has really been just continuing the message of the church that’s been going on for millennia.”

How parishes in Fresno have honored Francis’ life 

Guzman said that during the nine days of mourning following a pope’s death, each parish decides how it wants to honor him.

At the Newman Center, the parish held a novena — a nine-day period of prayer that included rosaries, reflections, guided questions, and additional prayers. 

Students from the campus ministries at the parish also created a memorial for Francis. Some of them had seen him in person during World Youth Day, alongside Amigon. According to Guzman, it was the first time for many students that they truly paid attention to a pope’s passing and had the experience of seeing one in person.

“A lot of our students and parishioners have said they feel a little lost, in limbo,” said Guzman. “For some, it feels new, unfamiliar, even strange not to have a clear leader of the Church. But that sadness just shows how much they cared for Pope Francis. He worked hard — and truly succeeded — in being present with the people, and that closeness is why his death hits so deeply.”

The novena concluded on May 1, and a requiem mass, a liturgy in remembrance of the dead, was held on May 2.

At Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fort Washington, a mass was held on May 7 in remembrance of Francis. A portrait of Francis and a candle have been burning since he passed. 

During the homily, a sermon reflecting on parts of Sacred Scripture, Monsignor Pat McCormick spoke about the many ways Francis embodied the role of a good shepherd. 

In an interview with Fresnoland, McCormick said one of Francis’ lasting messages was that clergy should stay close to their people, “to be with the sheep and smell like the sheep.” To McCormick, this meant spending time with people, listening to them, understanding their needs, and supporting them in their faith journey.

“I think he really did it on his own, building bridges with all kinds of people,” said McCormick. “He didn’t lead by judging others; he left that to God. What he wanted was for everyone to experience the humanity of God, that deep sense of love, mercy, and connection we’re meant to share with one another.”

What are local parish members hoping for Pope Leo XIV?

Pope Leo XIV spent many years serving in Peru, including a decade in Trujillo and a term as bishop of Chiclayo. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru.

The cardinals chose him for his alignment with Pope Francis’ focus on collaboration and the poor. Catholic groups have praised Leo XIV as a strong advocate for the voiceless, as the Church faces global challenges like hunger, environmental decline, and migration. 

McCormick said parishioners hope Leo XIV will be a “builder of bridges,” someone who unites people across differences, just as they strive to do in their own diverse community.

In his parish, people come from various backgrounds, including Africa, the Philippines, South America, and Gaza. While most speak English, McCormick emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for everyone to connect, share their lives, and understand one another’s values. 

McCormick believes that a true shepherd should create spaces for communion and unity, helping people come together and support each other through faith, prayer, and presence. This, he said, is what they hope to see in Leo XIV — someone who speaks the truth honestly and openly with the world.

Amigon shares a similar sentiment, hoping that Leo XIV will embody humility, bravery, and strength. She saw Francis as a leader for people across generations and believes that Leo XIV should also serve the people, particularly young people like herself. 

While many say Leo XIV will have big shoes to fill, Amigon doesn’t view it as replacing Francis. Rather, she sees it as welcoming a new pope who will continue to guide and serve the faithful.