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Father Peyton Plessala, priest at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Selma, believes that Pope Francis may have been one of the most misunderstood popes in the history of the Catholic Church, especially having to follow Pope Benedict who may have been the best theologians to lead the church.

While Pope Francis may have been labeled a more “liberal” pope especially compared to Benedict, he also understands some of that may be because of his words being taken out of context.

“I believe Pope Francis has had the heart of a pastor,” Plessala said. “He wasn’t as concerned about how people fit into the theology. He was more concerned about how people fit into the world. He was concerned about immigrants and refugees and taking care of them.

“Pope Francis certainly didn’t speak with the polished, surgical precision that you might expect out of a pope, but you can tell he loved people. Even on Holy Thursday and his health being what it was, he still took time to visit a prison and minister to the inmates there.”

Pope Francis, born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Dec. 17, 1936, died on Monday, April 21, the day after Easter. He was 88.

He became Pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XIV. Pope Francis was the first Latin American Pope in history, and the first Pope born outside of Europe since the 8th century.

Father Plessala said his Selma parishioners have been praying for Pope Francis ever since news broke about his health issues. While there will not be a formal memorial or funeral mass here in Selma, the pope’s name will continue to be mentioned at mass for the next few weeks.

“We will continue to mention him in our prayers at mass over the next few weeks,” Plessala said.

Any regional mass would be conducted by the Archdiocese of Mobile. No plans have been announced as of this time.

One area that Plessala said he has been challenged by Pope Francis has been to get out and meet the people of the community.

“As a pastor, he has challenged me to get out in the community and to get to know the people in my community,” Plessala said. “That is what Pope Francis has done, and it is a great example for me to follow.”

While the loss of a pope is a sad time, Plessala said there also will be excitement for the election of a new pope. In a couple of weeks, the College of Cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to elect a new pope.

In fact, Plessela might even have an opportunity to witness from St. Peter’s Square when the college selects the new leader.

“I actually have a trip to Rome planned for two weeks from now,” Plessela said. “So, I may have a chance to witness the selection of a new pope right there.”

Plessela said this will be the first papal change since he has been a priest serving a local church. He said he is excited to witness the transition in the Catholic church.

“While we grieve and are saddened for the loss of Pope Francis, the selection of the a new pope can also be an exciting time in the church,” Plessala said. “Whenever a new pope is selected, he will obviously bring a new energy and new focus to the church. They will have new prayers or virtues that they will focus on. I am excited to see what that looks like being the priest.”