The world awoke to the sad news this morning of Pope Francis’s passing. He had been ailing, of course, and recently hospitalized. But he made an appearance on Easter and, like many, I hoped he was out of the woods and would be with us a few more years.

I remember the excitement that greeted his papacy. Here was the first pope from Latin America, a pontiff who chose to name himself after Saint Francis, patron of the poor. Here was a leader who shunned the trappings of power and called our attention to immigrants and climate change. Here was a leader who spoke out against war and rampant commercialism.

Though at various points of his papacy Francis irritated both conservative and liberal wings of the church, he broadened the institution, and it feels lonely and frightening without him. So much darkness in the world right now. So little light.

What to do but seek comfort in his message, his hopefulness and the words and example he leaves behind. Rest in peace, Pope Francis.

Bells tolled today in Rome to announce the passing of Pope Francis.