Chicagoans gather for special Mass to honor Pope Francis’ life and legacy

CHICAGO – While mourners in Vatican City and across the globe celebrate the life of Pope Francis who was laid to rest Saturday, Chicagoans also came together for a special Mass at Holy Name Cathedral commemorating the pope’s life.

A solemn liturgy gave both Catholics and non-Catholics alike the chance to pray for Pope Francis while reflecting on his life. The Mass was held just hours after the pope’s funeral was held at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, and nearly 800 people were in attendance.

At Holy Name Cathedral, Archdiocese Vicar General Bishop Lawrence Sullivan presided over the Mass, reflecting on the life of the notoriously humble pope whose 12-year papacy was marked by his efforts to lead with humility and compassion while committing himself to helping the poor and refugees.

“Pope Francis had a way of seeing the face of Jesus in every single person that he met,” Sullivan said.

Despite the pope’s ongoing health challenges, which recently included a long hospitalization, the pontiff made a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, greeting crowds just one day before he died.

“His impact on my vocation, my life, has been very instrumental in the way I…we all have a family,” Fr. Andy Matijevic of Holy Name Cathedral said.

Mourners also shared their reasons for coming to Saturday’s Mass.

“I think for me, it is his helping of the poor and the acknowledgment of their plight,” parishioner Judith Lee said.

Another mourner in town from Columbus, Ohio – Joe Gastaldo, said it was important for him to be at Saturday’s Mass for several reasons.

“For me, it really is quite meaningful. Pope Francis is really quite a transformational pope. As a gay Catholic, he has been more welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community,” Gastaldo said. “I go to Italy a lot, and I was raised in a very traditional Italian-Catholic family. So it really is historical to have the first Latin American pope and the first pope who really focuses on marginalized communities.”

The second Sunday of Easter is known as Divine Mercy Sunday and according to Matijevic, it’s the perfect time to be able to lay the pope to rest.

The unofficial conclave has also started. While Matijevic said it’s an exciting time, it’ll be interesting to see how long to could take until the next pope is chosen.

Another Mass in observation of Pope Francis’ passing was held at Holy Name Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23. Nearly 1,200 people attended the service, which is capacity at the cathedral.