Parishioners mourn Pope Francis at Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines

'We felt a different connection to him': Pope Francis mourned across Chicago area

Pope Francis died Monday at the age of 88. Across the Chicago area, he was fondly remembered.

DES PLAINES, Ill. - Parishioners gathered Monday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines to mourn the death of Pope Francis, a global spiritual leader remembered for his compassion and humility.

What we know:

On Easter Monday, Catholics visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a well-known site of pilgrimage and prayer, to honor the life of Pope Francis.

The pope’s passing, announced earlier in the day, sparked a spontaneous outpouring of emotion at the outdoor shrine where visitors brought flowers and paused for prayer.

The Very Rev. Esequiel Sanchez, who serves as rector of the shrine, reflected on Pope Francis’ final public appearance, describing a moment during Easter Sunday’s Mass in St. Peter’s Square that now feels especially poignant.

"One of the most beautiful gestures, looking back at it now, you could almost feel like he knew it was coming," Sanchez said. "He gave the papal blessing and shortly after that, he gets on his Popemobile and starts riding around inside of the plaza as though saying goodbye, but no one knew it was a goodbye until we wake up this morning. I think that's what that was."

On Monday evening, Fr. Sanchez led a Requiem Mass, or Mass to honor the dead, in the Chapel of St. Joseph. An empty casket placed near the alter was a solemn reminder of the sadness that is being felt around the globe.

"It allows us to reflect on the life and legacy of him," Sanchez said. "He never stopped being a pastor."

Hundreds of people, moved by the principles Pope Francis stood for, gathered to say their own goodbyes—thousands of miles from Vatican City.

"It is significant to me because we felt a different connection to him, a closer bond because he was Latin American," said Pedro Eloisa, who visited the shrine Monday to pay his respects to the late Pope. "He was very charismatic and sincere."

Throughout the day of mourning, a display of flowers at the base of the shrine grew larger.

Daisy Chavez, another visitor, shared that in September of 2015, she traveled to Philadelphia to see Pope Francis during his historic visit to the United States.

"And I remember standing in a spot for two hours and he did the Popemobile," Chavez said.

His death is hitting close to home as she reflects on the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"I really loved Pope Francis," Chavez said. "And he just showed us that as Catholics, be who you are and that’s enough, that’s what brings people joy."

Pope Francis' lessons, his life, and his legacy—are leaving a mark on the world.

"We’re left with the choice of asking who will come thereafter, but first we must pray for him," Sanchez said. "Let’s mourn together, so we’re calling on the Christian community who loved him to take some time to think about what he’s done and come together as a family."

What's next:

On Wednesday, April 23 at 10 a.m., a Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Cardinal Blase Cupich will preside over it before leaving for Rome.

It is open to the public and tickets are not required. The Mass will also be live-streamed HERE.