Sister Norma shares memories of Pope Francis

SAN JUAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sister Norma Pimentel shared some of her fondest memories of late Pope Francis amid the news of his death.

Sister Norma said she was saddened and heartbroken to hear the news of the Pope's passing. On Monday morning, the Vatican announced Pope Francis died at the age of 88 from a stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure.

"[He is] someone who is so important and a big part of what we do in the sense of how he has helped and reaching out and supporting the most vulnerable those people who are hurting and need our care and compassion. Pope Francis was the biggest inspiration for us," she said.

Sister Norma said the Pope has been a great example of goodness and faith.

"His message was very clear, to advocate and speak up for the most vulnerable, those who are hurting," she said.

The sister said he wanted to make sure no one was excluded. She recounted the first time she met the Pope in 2020 in McAllen. The whole community was present at the church that day and she recalls him truly doing the work and trying to meet with families of the Rio Grande Valley.

"He singled me out and said he wants to meet the sister, Sister Norma," she said. "I couldn't believe this was happening, that it was me he was asking to meet and to talk to me."

Sister Norma said she recalls the Pope greeting her with a warm welcome and describes the experience as heavenly.

She said the Pope told her that he loved her which warmed her heart.

Sister Norma had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis again in New York and a few more times at the Vatican. Most recently in January.

She said that it means the world to her to have gotten his blessing for the people of the Rio Grande Valley and that while she wishes he could stay with us, she knows that his message will live on forever.