Pope of the People Remembered by West Hollywood City Council Member
West Hollywood City Council member and former Mayor John M. Erickson, Ph.D., has joined mourners around the world in honoring the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Erickson, who is both openly gay and Catholic, expressed deep sorrow over the pontiff’s death, describing himself as “heartbroken.”
Erickson met Pope Francis in 2023 as part of a delegation from Scholas Occurrentes, an international nonprofit educational initiative founded by the pope. Scholas was established to unite young people from diverse backgrounds and empower them to become active global citizens.
“Thank you, Holy Father, for giving us all a church we could believe in again and renewing my faith in ways I’ll never be able to express,” Erickson wrote in his tribute.
The Vatican confirmed the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. Throughout his tenure, he was recognized for his humility, advocacy for social justice, and progressive views, particularly on issues such as LGBTQ rights, climate change, and immigration.
Known for his simple lifestyle, Pope Francis often eschewed the trappings of high office. He lived in a modest apartment, used public transportation during his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and regularly cooked his own meals. He frequently emphasized the importance of compassion, humility, and serving those in need.
“My people are poor and I am one of them,” he once said, a sentiment that defined his pastoral approach and resonated with Catholics around the globe.
