Honoring Pope Francis: Mourners gather in prayer across Greater Cincinnati
In Greater Cincinnati, mourners are paying their respects to Pope Francis after his death on Monday.
Many came together in prayer at Mass Monday night.
At Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, dozens gathered with heavy hearts and heads bowed in prayer.
"We call him Holy Father for a reason, father of this huge family of ours that we call Catholic, and, you know, when you lose your dad, it's, it's difficult," said the Rev. Jan Schmidt.
Many are now reflecting on the Holy Father's legacy, saying it was one of love.
"He's been, rather, a progressive individual. He's been trying to change the church. But I think the main thing for me that stands out is the fact that he's tried very well and been very successful at being a pope for the people," Schmidt said.
At Xavier's Bellarmine Chapel, students came together at a Mass held for Pope Francis.
"He definitely touched my heart by being such a kind and loving man," said Sean Edwards.
Many young people within the Catholic faith have expressed a deep connection to Pope Francis.
"Bringing love, mercy and hope. He really was a beacon for all of those things in his world, and I think the young people really responded to that call," said Xavier graduate Anthony Bartosiewicz.
Though there's great sorrow, through each prayer and in every heart, comfort is found in faith.
"It's good to see that the faith and this person who leads us on this earth in our faith, who does mean something to the people," Schmidt said.
In the coming days, Pope Francis' life and legacy will be honored in many ways.
The Archdiocese of Cincinnati said churches will celebrate a memorial Mass for the pope once the Octave of Easter ends after next Sunday.