One emceed for pontiff in Rome: ‘I will never forget the kindness he showed each of us.’

This story was originally published in the Cranston Herald, a publication partner of Ocean State Stories. It was reported and written by Rosegalie Cineus, Beacon Media staff writer.

PROVIDENCE — Holy Week ended on a deeply somber note with the passing of Pope Francis, who died at 88 due to heart failure.

In the days since, local Catholic leaders have noted his humility and unflagging efforts to advocate for and reach out to people of diverse backgrounds. And one shared a memory of a personal encounter with the pope that left him deeply impressed.

The Rev. Nathan Ricci, who grew up in Warwick and graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School, is now vice chancellor of the Diocese of Providence. He met Francis in 2015 when the pope came to visit the North American College in Rome, where Ricci was studying as a seminarian.

During the pope’s visit, Ricci was tasked with serving as the emcee for the pontiff, which was a daunting and humbling opportunity, he said.

Ricci said that after Mass, the pope was joyful and filled with his “characteristic humor,” greeting everyone who had served alongside him.

According to Ricci, Francis said to him, “Tu hai fatto bene,” meaning, “you did a good job.”

Awestruck in that moment, Ricci thanked him and wished him a good lunch, to which Ricci said the pope smiled, put a thumb up and wished him a good lunch, too.

“I will never forget the kindness he showed each of us, and the humility and reverence with which he celebrated Holy Mass,” Ricci said. “He challenged us priests and seminarians to focus on Christ before ourselves, and he consistently reminded us to seek out in the poor and marginalized the face of Christ.”

In Cranston, several Catholic leaders expressed sorrow at the pontiff’s passing and support for their parishioners.

At St. Paul Church in Edgewood, Father Thomas Woodhouse said he was surprised and yet at the same time he wasn’t. He said he was aware that Francis’ health had been deteriorating, but because of his presence at Easter, his passing seemed discordant.

Father Woodhouse said he hung a portrait of Francis in the church and has begun the Novendiales — the traditional nine-day period of mourning for a deceased pope, in accordance with the message he received from the Diocese.

Monsignor Albert Kenney, who led Holy Mass for Easter Monday at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul and is the diocesan administrator, said Pope Francis was a shining and powerful example of the mercy of God who embraced people of all backgrounds, the poor and the marginalized.

The Diocese of Providence announced that, as is customary, the bells at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul would “toll 88 times for each year of the Holy Father’s life” beginning Monday at 11:30 a.m.

Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, bishop-designate of Providence, described Francis as caring and familiar.

“With his warm smile and familiar pastoral style, Pope Francis made us all feel part of a world-wide parish,” Lewandowski said. “As a caring pastor, he sought to be close to his flock, praying with us and for us, sharing the love of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, with us even to the end.”

Father Roger Durand at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Cranston Street described Francis as a good man who will be well remembered.

“We hope that God gives him a wonderful and favorable judgment,” Durand said. “And we hope that the church entrusts [the papacy] to someone of a similar mind. That would be the best outcome.”

The Vatican has scheduled the pope’s funeral for this Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.