LEILA FADEL, HOST:
The death of Pope Francis is a story out of Rome. But when the leader of a church with 1.4 billion members dies, that story is personal for so many in this world.
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
And we've been hearing from Americans who felt a connection to the pope. Bishop Carl Kemme of Wichita, Kansas, remembers meeting him.
CARL KEMME: His warmth. His ingratiating smile. His humility. His simple way of living.
INSKEEP: OK, it's to be expected that a bishop would appreciate the pope, but his fans also included Tom Scozzafava (ph), who is an electrician in Port Henry, New York.
TOM SCOZZAFAVA: If they want to get people active again in the church, especially the younger people, this pope, you know, opened the door in regards to that.
FADEL: One of those younger people is Natalie Borrega (ph) of Austin, Texas, who is 28.
NATALIE BORREGA: He really had a heart for the poorest of the poor, and I think he really inspired and strengthened my dedication to the Catholic faith.
FADEL: Those are some American views of Pope Francis. Now, let's hear some views from the place where his funeral will be held. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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