Bonnie-Jill Laflin Mourns Pope Francis’ Passing In Heartfelt Tribute
Sports media personality reflects on Pope's compassion and support of special causes in tribute.
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Bonnie-Jill Laflin, sports reporter and former NBA scout, has shared a deeply personal tribute following the passing of Pope Francis, reflecting on her Catholic upbringing and the pontiff’s impact on both her faith and humanitarian causes.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Laflin expressed her sorrow alongside images showing Pope Francis blessing a service dog and interacting with a child with special needs.
The Catholic Connection
“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Pope Francis. As someone who was raised in a Catholic family and continues to practice my catholicism today, I’ve always admired his compassion, humility, and the way he embraced everyone, including our four-legged companions,” wrote Laflin in her tribute.
The post highlights Pope Francis’ inclusive approach to faith, quoting his statement that “Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures,” a sentiment that clearly resonated with Laflin, who has been open about her Catholic faith in previous posts.
Special Olympics Connection
Laflin specifically mentioned the Pope’s support of Special Olympics, describing it as “a cause close to my heart” and “just another reflection of his beautiful soul.”
This connection to Special Olympics aligns with Laflin’s own charitable work. According to her Wikipedia page, Laflin is known for her involvement with multiple charitable organizations, particularly those focused on sports opportunities and animal welfare.
Her tribute concluded with, “Rest in peace, Holy Father. Heaven gained a gentle shepherd,” accompanied by prayer, cross, and angel emojis.
A Multi-faceted Career
Laflin’s tribute to Pope Francis provides a glimpse into the personal beliefs of a woman who has built a remarkable career spanning sports, entertainment, and media.
Laflin made history as the first female scout in NBA history during her time with the Los Angeles Lakers. She recently commemorated her groundbreaking role in a post about the NBA Draft, sharing, “At the end of the day, we all want to win, but you have to put in the work and sacrifice when you want to be a part of something special.”
Beyond basketball, Laflin has carved out a career as a sports reporter and media personality. Her recent Instagram posts showcase her covering MLB games, including Rangers and Dodgers matchups, and her feature in publications like Elle and Harper’s Bazaar, where she blended her western lifestyle aesthetic with high fashion.
Charitable Focus
Her mention of the Special Olympics in her tribute to Pope Francis reflects Laflin’s ongoing commitment to charitable causes. In another recent post, she promoted the Bunny Ball, a charity event benefiting children in need through organizations including Miracle Babies, Rady Children’s, Easter Seals, and Autism Tree.
“Let’s make magic happen one bunny at a time!” she wrote about the event, which asked guests to bring stuffed bunnies to donate to children.
A Personal Loss
While Pope Francis was a global religious leader, Laflin’s tribute frames his passing as a personal loss, highlighting how the Pope’s inclusive approach to faith and support of causes like Special Olympics created a meaningful connection even for those who knew him only from afar.
Her post serves as a reminder of how religious leaders can impact individuals through their charitable work and pastoral approach, transcending formal religious structures to touch lives in meaningful ways.
“Heaven gained a gentle shepherd,” Laflin concluded, offering a personal farewell to a religious leader whose compassion and humility clearly resonated with her own values and faith journey.
Trivia
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