A Staten Island priest shares his memories of friendship and decades-long bond with Pope Francis.

Staten Island

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at age 88 from a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis Dies

A Staten Island priest, Father Hernan Paredes of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Benedicta, St. Mary of the Assumption, shared cherished memories of his friendship with the late Pope Francis. The two first met in Argentina when Father Paredes was a young priest and Jorge Bergoglio, later known as Pope Francis, was his superior at seminary school. This bond persisted over the decades, marked by shared experiences and mutual respect.

Father Paredes fondly recalled aspects of Pope Francis' personality, highlighting his humor and remarkable cooking skills. The Pope was known for preparing delicious meals, such as tortellini, for his community regularly. According to Father Paredes, Pope Francis was a man of action and sincerity, showing mercy and empathy to those around him. He also emphasized that the late Pope lived a simple life that was relatable to many people.

The friendship between Father Paredes and Pope Francis extended beyond their initial meeting, maintaining contact through letters and visits. Father Paredes expressed gratitude for the time shared with the Pope, remembering him as a man dedicated to prayer, community, and living life beautifully until the very end.



Pope's long-time friend discusses his personality, cooking

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Pope Francis Dies