Chicago cathedral holds special mass for Pope Francis
Chicago cathedral holds special mass service for Pope Francis
A special mass service was held in Chicago in honor of the late Pope Francis on Wednesday morning, just two days after the pontiff died at the age of 88.
CHICAGO - A special mass service was held in Chicago in honor of the late Pope Francis on Wednesday morning, just two days after the pontiff died at the age of 88.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, presided over the memorial service at Holy Name Cathedral in the River North neighborhood.
What we know:
Cupich spoke about his personal sadness over the pope's death.
The archbishop had a close friendship with Pope Francis and said he felt deep sorrow over the pontiff’s death on Monday. Cupich is considered to be a part of the inner circle in the Vatican because of his closeness to Francis.
A lady lays flowers in front of a picture of Pope Francis at Westminster Cathedral in central London. The 88-year-old pontiff died on Easter Monday. Picture date: Wednesday April 23, 2025. (Photo by James Manning/PA Images via Getty Images)
The large cathedral was nearly full as many attendees were clergy members.
Cupich drew comparisons between Francis and Jesus Christ and encouraged the faithful to carry on the pontiff's mission.
"Francis not only believed, but he had a palpable experience of the risen lord," Cupich said. "Not only did he believe that Jesus rose from the dead 2,000 years ago, but he was very deeply in touch with the reality that the risen lord is acting and leading the church in our day."
One of the service attendees told Fox 32 that the late pope "brought a whole new light to just the average person and it makes me cry because I'm sorry he's gone. I just hope that … the next pope will have the heart to not discard those that are in need."
What's next:
After Wednesday’s mass, Cupich is expected to travel to the Vatican to be a part of his first conclave, or a private meeting of cardinals meant to determine who will be the next pope.
Francis elevated Cupich to cardinal in 2016. He's been the archbishop of Chicago since 2014, leading the Archdiocese of Chicago which serves around 2 million Catholics in Cook and Lake counties and oversees more than 200 parishes.
VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - FEBRUARY 07: Pope Francis greets archbishop of Chicago cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich at the Paul VI Hall during his weekly audience on February 7, 2018 in Vatican City, Vatican. Speaking on the eve of the Day of Prayer and Awar
What they're saying:
Cupich told followers that it was a blessing to experience the leadership of Pope Francis, and now is a time for grief.
"We mourn his passing," Cupich said in a video posted online shortly after the pope’s death. "We also commend him to the tender mercy of Christ, which was the core of his faith and ministry. May he rest in peace."