15 Comments
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Thomas Wilhite's avatar

Jim, you photos were forward to us by mutual friends. The photos of Francis showed a man that loved and was loved. He will truly be missed but his Spirit will always be with us. God Bless

Tom & Judie

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Jim McDermott's avatar

Thanks so much, Tom & Judie!

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Victoria Granof's avatar

Thank you for these beautiful moments. The very close-up picture of him looking directly into the camera brought me to tears. And then through my tears I looked again and there was comfort in his eyes. Thank you.

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Jim McDermott's avatar

You're most welcome. So glad you liked them!

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Ellen Ritchey's avatar

These beautiful images and thoughts brought a smile to a sad day, thank you! My story of Pope Francis began when a Catholic organization (forget who now) offered people the opportunity to sign up and be assigned one of the cardinals to pray for during the conclave. We were praying that they have wisdom and be guided by the Holy Spirit. I was assigned Cardinal Bergoglio. ❤️

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Jim McDermott's avatar

Wow! That's amazing, Ellen.

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Dude Points's avatar

Thinking about Francis reminded me of how he made the church seem accessible, like it was the church of the priests and nuns and laity running soup kitchens rather than the Cardinals fighting over doctrine. I cried when I read this story today and I hope that these women continue to feel love and welcome from the Church: https://apnews.com/article/vatican-transgender-lgbtq-b3d67868504ba701cce09da9ecc94de0

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Paul Marentette's avatar

Your photo selection captures that Francis was a "people person"; his embrace of humanity (in all of its goodness and its messiness) was a blessing so badly needed by people struggling to understand their own humanity or recovering from the cold, theological treatment they usually experienced from church leadership.

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Valerie Schultz's avatar

Thank you for this collection of holy moments. He was a mensch. May angels sing him home.

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Bill Glenn's avatar

XO Francis

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B Eiffes's avatar

Thanks, Jim, great pictures! So much joy and acting like a real, caring person. My favorites are how he just let the toddlers be. Climbing into the sanctuary? No problem. Warm smile.

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Cut 'n Paist's avatar

Wow wow wow!! Grazie, Jim. Most touching.

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Bridget Carberry Montgomery's avatar

Thank you for this collection of images. The joy they captured reminds me to be less fearful of the what is to come.

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Brian OSullivan's avatar

Woke up this morning and heard this sad news, and the first person I thought of was you and how you'd feel. Thank you for this...it did not disappoint. 💜

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Tracy Novick's avatar

Thank you for putting this together.

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