Pope Francis mourned at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC as world reacts to his death
Pope Francis is being mourned by Catholics around the world following the Vatican's announcement of his death.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan presided over a special mass in the pope's honor Monday at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.
"We're convinced that even though Pope Francis has passed over, passed over from this life to the next, he still lives. He still lives," Dolan said.
It was a profound and sorrowful remembrance as worshippers knelt, prayed and lit a candle for Pope Francis, who lived a life of humility, courage and kindness until the very end.
On the altar inside, a portrait of the pope surrounded by flowers sat next to mementos from his 2015 visit to New York, including the chalice he gifted Cardinal Dolan.
But the archbishop said what he cherishes the most are the personal phone calls the two shared over the years.
"I remember when he called me when my mom died, I remember when he called me during COVID to find out how God's people here in New York were doing," Dolan recalled.
At an evening mass, Francis was honored with lit candles beside his portrait. The chair he used during his New York visit and a cross he carried were on display as well.
"It's a heartbreaking day. He'll be missed. I hope the love he stood for and compassion he brought stays in the world with Catholics and everyone else," attendee Carrigan Miller said.
"The service was really good, dedication of his work, legacy, he lives on," Robert Wimbusch Jr. added.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams directed flags to be flown at half staff and called his visit to the Vatican "one of the most sacred and special moments of my life."
"It is with great sadness that I mourn with billions around the world after learning of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. As someone deeply connected to my faith and who represents a city of millions of Catholics, my visit to the Vatican to meet with and hear directly from Pope Francis last year was one of the most sacred and special moments of my life," Adams said in a statement. "Pope Francis led with kindness, grace, and faith as he helped build a better world and unite all people, regardless of their background. His decades of spreading peace and love will forever be remembered."
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also spoke about how she met the pope at a summit on climate change, saying, "his Holiness delivered a remarkable address calling on the world to save our planet and take care of the most vulnerable in our society."
"He then spoke individually to each of the leaders assembled and blessed Bill and I on the occasion of our 40th wedding anniversary," she added. "It's a moment I will never forget."
Parishioners share their remembrances
Thousands of New Yorkers paid their respects at St. Patrick's Cathedral after the passing of Pope Francis.
Roy Judelson said he'll never forget seeing the pontiff in his popemobile as it traveled along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
"He was a person of the people. Just his simple upbringing, didn't live in formality of the church, lived in a simple residence, close to the people," he said.
"I just thought he came across as a very peaceful man and did what they wanted him to do, right? Led the church as somebody who looked out for the poor, looked out for the lesser of us," said parishioner Frank Francese.
"He was truly a man of the lord. I hope we can all have the same heart as we go forth," Saralyn Hellstern said. "I showed up, and it was all of us in mourning and ready to hear the the message that they were delivering at the cathedral."
"I thought it was only appropriate that I get to Mass today and say some prayers for him and hope that his soul rest in peace," George Blaha said.
"It's like losing a family member. We've been so close to him all through these years, and we feel empty," one person said.
"We're all sinners here, and to be better is what he would have wanted. It's what God wants from all of us all the time," Hellstern said.
Pope Francis remembered as the people's pope
Francis is being remembered as the people's pope, a great spiritual leader, who was a tireless activist for peace.
His election in 2013 marked many firsts. He was the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit to assume the papacy.
He traveled to over 60 countries during his time as pope and drew crowds who were not just made up of Catholics. He was seen as a reformer who inherited a church with many problems, still reeling from its child sex abuse scandal.
Throughout his tenure, he consistently championed themes of compassion, humility and advocacy for the world's most vulnerable and led by example -- by dining with the homeless, washing inmates' feet and providing a home in Italy for migrants and refugees fleeing war.
"He taught us at the end by allowing us to watch him die. He taught us that who we are is more important than what we can do," Dolan said Monday.
"There's something very healing about the fact that he died on Easter Monday, just a day after the resurrection. [It] brings, I think, hopefully, a lot of solace to practicing Catholics," said Long Island resident Stephen Cowie.
CLICK HERE for a closer look at the pope's legacy and his funeral arrangements.
