Siena College friar attends Pope Francis' funeral

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A friar in residence at Siena College who shared a personal connection to Pope Francis, attended his funeral Saturday.

Brother Michael Perry is the director of the Laudato Si Center for Integral Ecology at Siena College. He also knew Pope Francis for over 10 years — and flew to Rome this weekend for his funeral.

“It was deeply, deeply moving, it was really, I would call it a human and a spiritual event,” said Brother Michael.

Brother Michael estimated there were over 200,000 people in attendance. He said there were moments during the funeral when St. Peter’s Square erupted in cheers and song.

“There was this spontaneous applause, I think because it touched people’s hearts, particularly on peace, on the environment, on care for the poor and care for the excluded, this brought about an eruption of applause,” said Brother Michael. “It was just amazing to be there for this.”

However, he said perhaps the most powerful moments were those with no noise at all.

“I think there were moments where there was silence and you could feel the silence,” said Brother Michael. “Silence when people find themselves in the presence of someone who is really respected as a holy person, someone who is wise. And I think that’s what people felt when they brought the casket with Pope Francis, people felt deeply moved.” 

Brother Michael first met Pope Francis in 2013. Since then, he’s spent time with him on multiple occasions, including a trip to the Holy Land in 2014.

“He taught me to be patient with processes to not jump to conclusions, to be open to the possibility that even if someone has made a serious mistake, there could be a change and a hope for something different for them,” said Brother Michael. “I think this extended beyond just those people in the church, I think he wanted to extend this to all people around the world.”

 People from around the world lined the streets of Rome Saturday, all in honor of Pope Francis. They cheered and said their final goodbyes as Pope Francis’ casket was driven down the streets to the final resting place.

Brother Michael said the cardinals are expected to begin the process of choosing the next pope in about nine days. He said it will be impossible for someone to be just like Pope Francis because all popes are different. Brother Michael hopes Pope Francis can be remembered for his humility, intelligence and love for all.

 “I hope that we will look back and say, ‘What did he matter to the world, what did he bring to the world’,” said Brother Michael. “And the values that he brought, each of us, whatever walks of life we are, no matter where we’re from, religiously, culturally, whatever, what values has he taught us about the way we should live in the world today. I think that’s his legacy.”