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Joy Behar’s Concerns About the Future of the Papacy
Joy Behar, co-host of “The View,” recently shared her anxieties following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday. Behar voiced her fears that the late Pontiff might be succeeded by a more conservative figure, stating, “I wonder because there might be a backlash against how good he was and how much humility he had compared to some of the leaders in this world right now.”
She further elaborated, expressing her concerns about a possible conservative appointment, suggesting that such a leader could hold negative views on critical issues, saying, “they’ll get some conservative guy in there who, you know, is anti-gay and everything else.”
Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, was announced dead by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands are expected to pay their respects.
Co-hosts Reflect on the Pope’s Impact
During the segment, Behar’s fellow co-host, Sunny Hostin, also shared her hope that the next Pope will embody similar qualities to those of Francis. Hostin recounted her struggles with her Catholic faith, particularly in light of the Church’s handling of sexual abuse scandals and its stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
Hostin stated, “I’ve struggled with being a Catholic, but this pope changed things for me.” She highlighted the Pope’s message of empathy, stating, “I feel like there’s a crisis of empathy in this country, that unless it happens to you, you can’t feel the empathy of it happening to somebody else.” This pointed observation reflects a sentiment many have regarding the global crisis of compassion.
Inspirational Quotes from Pope Francis
Sunny Hostin also referenced a memorable interview with the Pope, during which he discussed the importance of empathy and caring for others. She quoted him saying, “We have to get over our hearts to feel again. We cannot remain indifferent in the face of such human dramas. The globalization of indifference is a very ugly disease.” Hostin added that she believes indifference remains a significant issue in today’s society.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Personal Encounters with the Pope
Co-host Whoopi Goldberg shared her personal experience meeting Pope Francis in 2023. She recalled, “He brought 100 comedians from around the world to meet with him. What he said was, ‘I want to laugh more, we all need to laugh more.'” Goldberg emphasized the role of humor in addressing the challenges facing humanity.
Goldberg recounted how the Pope acknowledged the significance of laughter, noting, “He said, ‘what you do is very important, because without you, it’s a grayer day.’” This sentiment underlines the need for joy in times of hardship, reflecting the Pope’s commitment to a more compassionate world.
Goldberg also commended Pope Francis for his inclusive messages, stating, “He is exactly what I hoped he would be, which is a pope for all people regardless of religion.” She expressed gratitude for the Pope’s welcoming stance towards marginalized communities, relaying that he conveyed, “God loves you no matter what. Come back to the church.”
The Pope’s Approach and Controversies
Pope Francis redefined the papacy by emphasizing mercy, kindness, and humility throughout his tenure. He was known for addressing controversial issues, providing his insights on political leaders, including Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
Shortly after Trump took office, Pope Francis criticized the administration’s plans for mass deportations, reminding the public that the forced removal of migrants infringes upon their dignity and asserting that such actions “will end badly.” His comments sparked significant dialogue about immigration and human rights.
Reflections on a Papacy
Pope Francis’s impact on the Catholic Church resonates deeply among followers and non-followers alike. His legacy challenges the societal norms surrounding various issues, from LGBTQ+ rights to humanitarian concerns. As the Catholic Church faces the inevitable transition to new leadership, many wonder how future leaders will embrace or diverge from the progressive path set by Pope Francis.
As the world mourns his passing, discussions like those held on “The View” underscore the significance of empathy and inclusiveness as key factors that will influence the Church’s direction moving forward.
Fox News’ Caitlin McFall, Emma Colton, and Chris Massaro contributed to this report.
