OHIO — Catholics in central Ohio are mourning the death of Pope Francis.
The Bishop of St. Joseph Cathedral called a last-minute mass Monday afternoon as his followers shared their reactions.
Father Jan Sullivan from St. Joseph Cathedral said people knew the pope’s health was declining, but what surprised him and many others was the timing of his death.
The pope passed away just hours after making an appearance at Easter services in the Vatican. Today St. Joseph Cathedral tolled the bells 88 times, honoring pope Francis’ years of life.
“God rest him,” Sullivan said. “You know he’s worked hard, he’s struggled, he’s carried the cross.”
The pope died a day after delivering blessings on Easter Sunday.
But Sullivan said he did more than that. On Holy Thursday he visited the prison, he often went to bless the people there and wash their feet.
In Columbus, the pope’s death is making some think of the difference he’d made in their life.
“Realize that we are all part of the human family,” One lady said right before she went into the Cathedral. “And it’s our job to just love. That’s what Jesus is about.”
Zackary Rivelli, who lives in Columbus, said today is his birthday, and the pope leaves a huge imprint in people’s minds.
Rivelli said the Catholic church played an important role in his life as it was there for his recent struggles.
“A pope that was willing to kind of stand up for marginalized groups and minorities,” Rivelli said. “God does love us all equal and even if some people don’t abide by his teaching to the world, it’s up to us as Catholics to make sure that we love and accept those people as much as we can.”
Columbus Bishop Earl Fernandes is holding a special mass tonight at 7:00 p.m. in the evening here in Columbus. This day marks the first day out of the nine days of mourning.
Mary Ellen White said the pope leaves behind him a legacy of lessons for his followers.
“Oh, I was very sad,” White said. “His teachings on the marginalized the poor, the disenfranchised those in despair and he lived that.”
