Memorial for Pope Francis held at Oakland's Cathedral of Christ the Light
OAKLAND — More than 250,000 people bid farewell to Pope Francis at his funeral at St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, but even more people said goodbye to him across the world, including in the Bay Area.
In Oakland, people filled the Cathedral of Christ the Light to say their final goodbyes to Pope Francis, who died on Monday.
Ike Udoh lives in Dublin, but decided to go to the service.
"I just felt moved to come and remember him, celebrate him, pray with the whole community," said Udoh.
Udoh said while he is mourning, he's also grateful that Pope Francis is no longer suffering from health issues.
Udoh, like Pope Francis, is a Jesuit.
"He was the first Jesuit pope ever and a part of that religious community, so that's very significant for us," said Udoh about one of the reasons Pope Francis was so unique.
The core of the Jesuit mission is education, ministry and outreach to the marginalized. Udoh says Francis embodied all of that.
"He did so much good," said Udoh. "It just started with his example, living very simply. He visited prisons and washed the feet of the prisoners, kissed their feet. He was just such a great example of love."
The Bishop of the Diocese of Oakland, Michael Barber, is also a Jesuit. He belongs to the same order, and he met with Pope Francis nearly a dozen times during his papacy.
"He was the warmest, most kind, wonderful man you have ever met," said Barber, recounting his meetings with Pope Francis. "You felt you knew him for your whole life."
Bishop Barber even referred to Pope Francis as being grandfatherly. He was known for being more approachable than previous popes.
Bishop Barber was honored to give this memorial mass but also sad.
"It was beautiful, but it was also hard in the sense that I miss him," said Barber. "Once you start to think of all the landmark gestures he made to the whole world on behalf of Jesus Christ, it gets kind of emotional."
Pope Francis was known for his concerns about climate change, he spoke out against economic inequality and capitalism, and expressed an openness and compassion towards the LGBTQ community.
After a few more days of mourning, the Roman Catholic community will move forward with choosing a new pope.
Udoh said he believes in the conclave process.
"We always have our hope and faith first in Jesus and then we know that the Holy Spirit will help guide us to choose somebody who will be able to serve and help the people of God," said Udoh.
