Chicagoans Mourn Pope Francis: ‘The People’s Pope’

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Chicagoans are remembering Pope Francis for his compassion and love of people.

Francis, who made history as the first pope from Latin America and who was known as “the people’s pope,” died early Monday after a final public appearance during Easter celebrations Sunday. Local faith leaders and neighbors have joined in global mourning for the Roman Catholic Church’s leader.

“In this moment of profound loss for me personally and for the Church, I take this moment to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the gift of his papacy and to pray for the repose of his soul,” Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, said in a statement.

Francis leaves behind an immense legacy of love and service, said parishioners who flocked to Holy Name Cathedral on Monday for Mass. He was known for his joy, sense of humor and “real love for God and the people,” parishioners and faith leaders said.

As parishioners walked into the cathedral, a crew hung a black banner above the church’s main door.

Eileen, who was among those flocking to Holy Name Cathedral, said she was waiting to hear the archdiocese bells ring 88 times at noon to honor Francis, who was 88. Bells tolled 88 times in churches worldwide Monday as a tribute to him.

“It’s very moving,” said Eileen, who declined to give her last name.

Holy Name Cathedral will host a memorial mass for Francis at 10 a.m. Wednesday, according to WGN.

The pope’s death came as a shock for many. He’d recently been hospitalized with pneumonia but was discharged in late March and participated in Easter celebrations. Francis died of a stroke, the church announced Monday.

“He died being with the people,” said Greg Sakowicz, rector of Holy Name Cathedral.

Francis had a real care and love for the poor, the homeless, the marginalized, the immigrant and the underdog, Sakowicz said.

“Part of his legacy would be he was telling all of us together, ‘Let’s love this world back into life,’” he said.

As the head of the Catholic Roman Church, Francis emerged as a more progressive faith leader for his stances on LGBTQ+ rights and moral calls to act against inequality, war and climate change. He wanted a “church with doors always wide open,” he said in his exhortations.

“Pope Francis, the people’s pope, will be remembered as a faith leader who gave voice to the voiceless. He fought for the rights and the dignity of the poor, prisoners, migrants and outcasts as part of his vision for peace and social justice,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.

Rep. Chuy Garcia said Francis defined his papacy “by his humility and humanity.”

“Pope Francis’ progressive legacy expands past the Church, being an advocate for peace for every person and community across the world,” Garcia said in a statement. “His perspective on interfaith dialogue and social justice paved the way for positive reforms in the Catholic community.”

Francis’ life and the timing of his death after Easter Sunday are reaffirming signs of hope and “God’s hand,” Sakowicz said.

“Others will say ‘Oh, what a coincidence he died the day after Easter,’” Sakowicz said. “Here’s a great definition: a coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”

Francis’ death came a day after Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection, in a Jubilee Year. In Catholic tradition, a Jubilee Year comes every 25 years, and it is a special year of reconciliation, pilgrimage and coming home, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The prayers for Francis’ health, offered by the faithful across the world, helped him get through Easter, Eileen said.

“He in died the Jubilee Year of Hope, bringing the message of resurrection,” Eileen said.