I was shocked. When I awoke bright and early on Easter Monday morning to the news that Pope Francis had passed, it took a moment for it to sink in. Although he had been critically ill, I thought his discharge from the hospital last month was the start of a new golden era in his papacy. Furthermore, I had seen him just hours ago blessing the St. Peter Square Easter audience and cruising around on the Popemobile.

I didn’t expect this to be Pope Francis’ last time he would be seen alive, but what a way to go out.

But after the fog settled, the Holy Father’s death was no longer a conundrum. In fact, it made perfect sense.

Our photo of Pope Francis on the Reser family bulletin board.

God used Pope Francis in a most profound way. The world watched the Pope grind and suffer through Lent. They watched as he was pushed around in a wheelchair, often unable to talk. When he made it through that desert, he emerged front and center on the balcony that overlooks the faithful to deliver a triumphant Easter Sunday blessing. His release from the hospital wasn’t the beginning of a new act on earth but rather a humble and glorious worldly exit to Heaven.

Pope Francis suffered through Lent and was rewarded with one final Easter Sunday.

When I reflect on Pope Francis, this is what comes to mind: a worthy example. There is no one on this planet—no matter your faith—who could observe Francis and think anything less than this man is truly holy. He shunned worldly comforts, human praise, and perks of the papacy for servant leadership and devotion to God. He was a testament to living out the beatitudes, eagerly and willingly placing himself into each marginalized group blessed by Jesus. His example was beyond admirable and nothing short of holy.

Personally, Pope Francis will always mean a lot to my family. He was pontiff when Sid and I entered into the sacrament of holy matrimony. He was the Bishop of Rome when Sid was welcomed into the Catholic Church. He was St. Peter’s successor when both our children were baptized. He was leading the Church when he made the great decision to elevate my college priest to a bishop. So many of the sacramental graces that have helped and defined us came during his papacy. You just don’t forget that.

Bishop Jeff Fleming greets Pope Francis in Rome. When I was in college, then-Fr. Jeff was the priest of the University of Montana Newman Center.

When I look back on Francis’ 12 years as pope, I fondly remember his 2015 visit to the United States. I watched hours of the television coverage from my apartment in Myrtle Beach and remember feeling exhausted for him! His itinerary was packed as he was pushed from one engagement to the next. However, for all the smiles during that trip, nothing has stayed with me more than when he visited the Ground Zero memorial. The look of contemplation and anguish on his face as he prayed at the site stays with me to this day.

God bless the soul of Pope Francis.

The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday and soon thereafter a Conclave will convene to elect a new pontiff. During these hectic days of mourning and tradition, let’s not allow the busyness to detract us from praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. May he receive his heavenly reward. Don’t Blink.