An American from Houston spoke to CBS News' Seth Doane about how Pope Francis impacted her life and why she wanted to honor his legacy.

Vatican City

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

An American woman from Houston, Texas, Elvira Mejitra, recently spoke in an interview with CBS News' Seth Doane about the significant impact Pope Francis has had on her life. Currently visiting from Houston, she visited St. Mary Major to pay her respects as the Pope is laid to rest. With her six-month-old child accompanying her, Mejitra described her reasons for being there and the meaningful connection she feels with Pope Francis.

Mejitra recounted a memorable experience from 2016 when Pope Francis proclaimed the Year of Mercy, a declaration that resonated deeply with her personal reflections on mercy and the need for compassion, which she felt was shared by many. This initiative by Pope Francis stood out as a highlight in Mejitra's experience of his spiritual influence.

She explained that Pope Francis' messages have substantially changed her actions and outlook on life. She mentioned how the Pope has been instrumental in sharing the message of Christ, facilitating deeper encounters with faith and spirituality. Mejitra has traveled to see the Pope numerous times, emphasizing her dedication to honoring his legacy and teachings.



American shares how Pope Francis impacted her life

Let's check in one more time with Seth Doan, who is at St. Mary Major, where the Pope will rest in eternity. Seth? Nora, I am here with Elvira Mejitra, who is visiting from Houston, and just curious, with her six months old, who is managing to sleep, how, why did you want to come out? Why did you want to line the streets today? You know, because Pope Francis has had an impact in my life, just as in the lives of many. How so? Well, something particular that I do remember in the year 2016 was that he proclaimed the year of mercy, and so I, reflecting that I need the mercy of God, and so many others do too, and so that was very special to be able to see him in Poland as well, where we know that that message was given very strongly. Does it change, do those messages change anything real, specific for you, or is it the way you feel, or does it change your actions? It really does. It changes my actions, you know. How so? There's something before, you know, encountering, because he's instrumental in being able to share the message of Christ, so that people can encounter Christ as well, and so. Perfect. Thank you, Elvira. She's traveled around the world to see the Pope a number of times. Back to you, Nora.

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Pope Francis Dies