LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentuckians came together Tuesday night for a Thanksgiving Mass honoring the life of Pope Francis at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville.

Francis died Monday at 88 after making a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

What You Need To Know

  • The Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville hosted a Thanksgiving Mass honoring the life of Pope Francis 

  • Francis died Monday at 88 after making a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday

  • Attendees said several emotions surround the pope's death and have high hopes for his successor 

  • After Francis is laid to rest, cardinals under 80 years old will gather for a conclave to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church

Laura Zoeller, who has been a devoted Catholic all her life, said so many people loved Francis and are grieving his loss.

“Many of us are very sad, and he was such a wonderful example of following in the footsteps of Christ, who guided us all so well through the years that he was our Pope," Zoeller said. "We wanted to do something to celebrate." 

Zoeller said the Archdiocese of Louisville celebration was a way for people to pay their respects. All were invited to attend.

“We can't all go to Rome and pay our respects, so this is something we can do," Zoeller said. "I know we will be continuing to pray for him for months to come." 

Berry Mudd, associate director of the Archdiocese of Louisville's Office of Worship, said several emotions surround the pope's death. 

“We mourn our loss, but we're joyful to know that he's got his heavenly reward,” Mudd said. 

Mudd says there are specific practices underway now. 

“When a pope dies, the church comes together to pray first and a period of mourning for the newly deceased pope," Mudd said. "Then we mourn for nine days, [and] then we start praying for the Holy Spirit to enlighten those who will elect the new Pope." 

Zoeller said Francis was known as the people's pope because he wasn't afraid to make connections. 

“He knew what people were going through in their lives," Zoeller said. "He really wanted people to understand what it was like for people to be poor and to have to struggle, so I would hope that whoever is next is the same way in that they are comfortable with being around the people of God and model Jesus." 

After Francis is laid to rest, cardinals under 80 years old will gather for a conclave to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church.

This sacred and secretive process takes place inside the Sistine Chapel. All conclaves since the 1900s have lasted fewer than four days.

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