We knew the day would come eventually — and how perfect that it came on Easter Monday — but the death of Pope Francis broke my heart, all the same. I treasure the opportunity I had to interact with him day after day during the Synod on Synodality in Rome. His hands and vision of Church outstretched to include my voice as a social scientist and my presence as a lay woman. His legacy reverberates a pastoral welcome and groundedness in contextual realities.

Thanks to WBIR for capturing and sharing my early emotions and reactions to the news. My own processing and reflection will continue.