Memorial Mass honoring Pope Francis held at Chicago’s Holy Name

CHICAGO — Chicago’s Catholic community honored Pope Francis Wednesday at Holy Name Cathedral.

Cardinal Blase Cupich led a memorial Mass starting at 10 a.m. It was open to the public.

Fracis died on Monday at age 88.

In Rome, the Vatican opened St. Peter’s Basilica to the general public Wednesday to pay their final respects.

Wednesday’s Mass at Holy Name was traditional in many ways.

There was a first and second Bible reading, along with communion. But there were so many special elements added to the Mass.

A framed photo of the pontiff was placed on the altar. Behind it was a purple cloth, which is typically used during Holy Week.

The church says over thousand Catholics and faith leaders from outside the Catholic community attended the Mass.

Throughout the Mass, the priests specifically prayed for causes that Pope Francis cared deeply about, including the poor, sick and people living through war.

During his homily, Cardinal Cupich spoke about his relationship with the pope. He was called “a good Shepard” and “the people’s pope.”

Cardinal Cupich will be traveling to Rome where he will play a role in deciding who the next pope will be.

This is the first time he gets to take part in the voting process after being elevated to Cardinal of the Chicago Archdiocese by Pope Francis in 2016.

Priests who attended the Mass at Holy Name say they hope the next pope is someone who loves all people and fights for the rights of many, as Pope Francis did.

Francis’ body will lie in state in the basilica until Saturday’s funeral and burial.