Chicago faithful remember Pope Francis; Memorial Mass set for Wednesday

CHICAGO — Chicago’s Catholic community is joining those around the world mourning the loss of Pope Francis.

Pope Francis died Monday at the age of 88.

People gathered at Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral Monday morning to pray and remember. Black bunting hung above the entrance to mark the somber day.

Holy Name will hold a memorial Mass on Wednesday. Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will preside over the mass at 10 a.m. The Nass is open to the public. No tickets are required. The mass will also be live stream on the cathedral’s YouTube site.

Cupich issued a statement early Monday that said:

I have received word that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died. 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. The finest memorial we can offer is to re-form our hearts as Pope Francis asked – to see our brothers and sisters, to listen to them and to offer our prayers and actions that all may experience the fullness of God’s promise. As we mourn his passing, I ask that God comfort us, but also strengthen us to remain steadfast in carrying on the work of restoring our Church’s place in the world as a source of hope and an advocate for those in need.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also issued a statement saying:

“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. Guided by his deep faith in God and humanity, Pope Francis advocated for a world without war. His legacy will live on in the hearts of the millions of people throughout the world who took comfort in his message. May he rest in peace.  

We will continue to learn from Pope Francis and take inspiration from the power of his moral clarity. “We have to state, without mincing words, that there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also released a statement saying:

Pope Francis showed the world how to lead with empathy and humility. Extending a hand to help anyone in need, “the People’s Pope” inspired millions who drew strength and compassion from him to embrace peace. May his memory be a blessing.

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

He emerged on Easter Sunday — his last public appearance, a day before his death — to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause.