Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger honors Pope Francis in Mass of Suffrage
Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger held a Mass of Suffrage on Monday following the death of Pope Francis.
Weisenburger spoke about the pope's legacy and why he admired him at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.
"This morning his journey with us has come to a close even as his journey continues," he said.
The pope, who worked to change the perception of the Catholic Church, died at age 88, hours after greeting the thousands of faithful on Easter Sunday at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Following his death, Several Detroit-area parishioners honored the pope.
"He cared for the poor, the hungry, prisoners, everyone. He loved everyone like Jesus wanted us to do," said Jane Loyd from Allen Park.
Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013.
Weisenburger was installed last month as the archbishop of Detroit after he was appointed by the pope. The Archdiocese of Detroit is Michigan's largest Catholic diocese with more than 900,000 Catholics and 213 parishes in Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Wayne counties.
Weisenburger says the pope was known for striking a more progressive and inclusive tone in his time, especially on subjects like immigration and climate change.
"He was a man of immense goodness. He wore his heart on his sleeve. You know exactly what he thought. There was no game playing," Weisenburger said.
The archbishop spoke at Monday's mass about Pope Francis' last public remarks, where he kept up that same message, hoping to promote peace.
"He spoke out in that homily yesterday against the increasing violence and conflict in our communities and our world," he said.
Weisenburger ended his sermon with his favorite quote from Pope Francis, saying, "A little mercy makes the world less cold and more just."
Members of the College of Cardinals will now choose Pope Francis's successor at a future conclave at the Vatican.
