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Caitlin LaPorte's avatar

This was so well said, Erin. As a fellow "bad catholic", it really resonated with me. We can only hope the next Pope follows in the footsteps of Francis. The world needs it now more than ever.

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Erin Carlson's avatar

I wish they would elevate a woman! (Wishful thinking. Very very much in the future.)

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Aurelie Chazal's avatar

I was thinking about the same this morning. Then thought... Yea that will never happen. But it was nice to dream for a second ☺️

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Caitlin LaPorte's avatar

Agreed!

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Kirthana Ramisetti's avatar

This was so beautiful, Erin. ❤️

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Erin Carlson's avatar

Thank you! x

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Thoughts And Threads (Fran)'s avatar

Erin I love this. Your words are beautiful and so personal. My mom was also raised Catholic and is hurting from his loss so I’m gonna send this to her. Thanks for your words 🤍

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Erin Carlson's avatar

Thank you so much, Fran. I hope your mom enjoys reading this letter.

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McFuture-D'or's avatar

Indeed, Erin! Our Pope Francis, "the uniter," has left a vast gap to fill. I could remember praying 12 years ago in February on my birthday at St Helen after Pope Benedict resigned at 85 due to health concerns. Here we were in late February, heading to Easter without the church Shepherd. I felt sad and worried about the future of the church with all the sex scandals and bad press. I wanted to quit. Then our Pope Francis was voted for lack of a better word and went about gathering the sheep with love, smile, and care. Here, we are once more in need of an earthly shepherd. May the Holy Spirit guide the cardinals in this quest. May God's will be done. Moreover, may our dear uniter, Pope Francis' soul, repose in peace.

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Lara B's avatar

This is so lovely and human. I’m not someone who prays often, but feel compelled to use some of your words in a prayer for the church.

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McFuture-D'or's avatar

Ahh, Lara B, human is all that we are. Imperfect beings. You just surpasses indifferent, which the late Pope Francis called to combat. Push yourself to do it often and/or whenever you see/feel the need to. Thank you, Lara, because I don't normally share my thoughts.

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Rachel Upshaw's avatar

Forever angry they stuck Bridget on Peacock!! - signed the proud owner of a new 1-year Peacock subscription

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Erin Carlson's avatar

Ha! That's how they got me too!

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

I'm Jewish—and wept at the news of his death!

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Erin Carlson's avatar

The fact that Francis was beloved by people of different faiths says so much about his character

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

And his courage ...

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Lara B's avatar

Your post really made it hit home for me and was the first time I got verklempt reading about the Pope’s passing. Thank you for the lovely reflection.

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Beth Lisogorsky's avatar

Thanks for the shoutout. I loved this post (not solely for my shoutout) but because I’ve been mulling over my thoughts today regarding Pope Francis’s passing. Given that “Conclave” the film is my major reference point for what happens next (and I recognize that it’s fiction), I wanted to hear what this means for people who may have some sort of religious connection with the Church or him. Personally as I have family (through marriage) in Argentina, I felt like he was “our pope”!

Wedding Banquet - Yea! Did you know it’s a remake of an Ang Lee film from the 90s? I’m sure it’s modern retelling is different though. I want to watch the 90s one again and then this film.

I wish I was in the Bay Area to see your talk with Kirthana Ramisett.

And now I’m putting Emily Henry’s new one on my tbr list

This is the second

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Erin Carlson's avatar

Thank you, Beth! Francis was the "People's Pope" indeed. I'm concerned that the church will elect his opposite. Conclave was extremely prescient. I loved that film so much. Re: Wedding Banquet, yes! It's hard to top Ang! This was a rare kind of remake that felt fresh and new. And Bowen Yang: Who knew he had dramatic chops?

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Rachel Upshaw's avatar

PS the book I just sent you has a mid-40s protagonist (mentally cast Kerry Washington please and thank you)

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Erin Carlson's avatar

KERRY WOULD BE PERFECT

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