Pressing Moments: Pope Francis dies at 88

RICHMOND, Va (WRIC) -- Catholics around the world are mourning the loss of the 266th leader of the Catholic church, Pope Francis.

The first Latin American pontiff, Pope Francis was known for his compassion over condemnation, especially toward marginalized groups like divorced Catholics, migrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community -- earning him the nickname "The People's Pope."

Pope Francis was also known for appointing diverse voices in the church's leadership ranks, tackling bureaucracy within the church and launching the Year of Mercy in 2015 to encourage acts of forgiveness and kindness.

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8News reporters Sara Molina and Victoria Lucas, as well as 8News Executive Producer Conner Nuckols, sat down to talk about what this loss means to the Catholic community and to celebrate Pope Francis' humility.