Mourning Continues in Chicago’s Catholic Community Following Pope Francis’ Passing

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Catholics continue to pay tribute to Pope Francis.

Before the public viewing starts in Vatican City, mourners are waiting as Cardinal Blasé Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, prepares to officiate a memorial Mass at Holy Name Cathedral on Wednesday morning.

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It was also announced s public viewing of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica will begin Wednesday morning, as well.

All day Monday faithful at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe reflected on the late pontiff, who was a champion for immigrants and refugees.

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Many people are honoring a leader who aimed to create a more inclusive church environment, especially in his advocacy for marginalized communities like the LGBTQ community.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, overseeing over two million Catholics in the Chicago area, was appointed by Francis and will now be part of the group of Cardinals responsible for selecting the next leader of the church.

Cupich described the pope’s death as a profound personal loss. He called him a friend.

While grieving, he says he also feels a great sense of gratitude that he lived in a time in which Francis was the Pope.

“I don’t think that he sought controversy, he just tried to be a real person and be in touch with the real life of people and that’s what I think marked him in a different way that helped all of us that are shepherds of dioceses to make sure that we really attend to where people’s live are and so he called us to an authenticity,” Cardinal Cupich said.

Pope Francis also made history as the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.

Wednesday’s Mass here at holy name begins at 10 a.m.