
Whoopi Goldberg shares personal memories of Pope Francis as The View panel mourns his passing at 88 and reflects on his revolutionary approach to the papacy.
At a Glance
- Pope Francis died at age 88 following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse
- Whoopi Goldberg recounted her 2023 meeting with Pope Francis when he invited 100 comedians to the Vatican, emphasizing the importance of laughter
- The View panel praised his advocacy for refugees, LGBTQ individuals, and his more inclusive approach to Catholicism
- Sara Haines described him as the “most Jesus-like” person to hold the papal position
- Panel members expressed concern about whether his successor will continue his progressive legacy
The View Mourns a Progressive Pope
The hosts of ABC’s The View dedicated a segment to remembering Pope Francis following his death at age 88. During Monday’s broadcast, moderator Whoopi Goldberg opened the discussion by acknowledging the pontiff’s passing after sharing what she called “a very timely Easter message” at the Vatican.
The panel reflected on his nine-year papacy, which was marked by significant departures from traditional Catholic stances on several social issues and a more welcoming approach to those previously marginalized by the Church.
Goldberg, who personally met Pope Francis during a 2023 Vatican event, shared her experience with the audience. “Yesterday was a tough day, because Pope Francis, one of the great popes in my opinion, passed away just hours after sharing a very timely Easter message at the Vatican. He called on people to embrace those who are different or who are from different lands because we are all children of God,” Goldberg said.
A Pope Who Valued Humor and Inclusion
Throughout the discussion, Goldberg highlighted Pope Francis’s appreciation for humor and laughter. She recounted being among 100 comedians invited to the Vatican by the pontiff, who emphasized the importance of their profession. “What he said was, ‘I want to laugh more. We all need to laugh more.’ And then he looked at the 100 of us and he said, ‘What you do is important. Because without you, it’s a grayer day,'” Goldberg recalled.
“He was quite amazing. He is exactly what I hoped he would be, which is a Pope for all people, regardless of religion, which I really appreciated.”, said Whoopi Goldberg.
Sara Haines offered perhaps the most striking assessment of Francis’s papacy, describing him as the “most Jesus-like” person to ever hold the position. This sentiment was echoed by others on the panel, who pointed to his humble lifestyle choices, his advocacy for the poor, and his more inclusive stance toward marginalized communities as evidence of his commitment to living out Christian principles rather than just enforcing church doctrine.
A Legacy of Social Advocacy
The panel discussed Pope Francis’s significant departures from his predecessors on social issues. Co-host Sunny Hostin, a practicing Catholic, shared how Pope Francis helped her reconcile with her faith despite church doctrines she struggled with. The group noted his revolutionary statement regarding LGBTQ individuals, which marked a significant shift in tone if not in official doctrine.
Alyssa Farah Griffin highlighted Pope Francis’s advocacy for refugees and his historic visit to Iraq, while Joy Behar commented on his humility in contrast to other public figures. Behar jokingly noted that she wasn’t invited to the Vatican, saying “I don’t remember that. I wasn’t invited,” when Goldberg mentioned her meeting with the Pope. The panel also expressed concern about the potential for a conservative backlash in selecting the next pope.
Concerns for the Future
As the segment concluded, Goldberg emphasized the importance of continuing Pope Francis’s inclusive legacy. The panel expressed hope that the next pope would build upon his work rather than reverse course. They highlighted how his approach had drawn people back to the church who had previously felt excluded, particularly noting his compassionate stance on refugees and immigrants.
While none of the hosts identified as traditional Catholics, they all expressed respect for what Pope Francis had accomplished during his papacy. The segment served as both a tribute to his life and a reflection on how his approach to leadership had impacted both Catholics and non-Catholics alike through his emphasis on humor, inclusivity, and social justice.