MILWAUKEE — Church services to honor the life of Pope Francis were held across the state on Monday. The church bells tolled 88 times in honor of the 88 years of Pope Francis’ life.
In Milwaukee, on the campus of Marquette University, mass was held to reflect on the life of the Pope and for parishioners to pay their respects.
Pope Francis was the first Jesuit Pope. Those at Marquette University connected with him on that level and believe it was an honor to have him serve for the past 12 years.
“I think there was a certain amount of pride to having the first Jesuit Pope.” Marquette University VP of mission and ministry, Fr. John Thiede said. “Maybe also a little bit of fear in the beginning, hoping he would do a good job. But over time, just really feeling consoled that he was a member of the society of Jesus and the first Jesuit to become Pope.”
The connection to Pope Francis was also felt throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Archbishop Grob said waking up to the news Monday morning was a shock, but he is confident Pope Francis is in Heaven and his impact will leave a legacy.
“A 12-year pontificate draws to a close.” Archbishop Jeffrey Grob said. “A man of faith lived. How wonderful that this gracious Shepard returned to the lord on Easter Monday, the day after Easter.”
Archbishop Grob was installed by Pope Francis earlier this year. He also got a chance to meet him in 2022 while visiting Rome for bishop school. He said his legacy will live on for years to come.
“He was a pastor and a Shepard to his dying breath.” Archbishop Grob said. “Literally. He met with people, worked the crowd, so to speak. He went home and he died. It’s not a bad model for us. His life is complete. What do we take away from that?”
Bishop Jeff Haines with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee said he got the chance to meet Pope Francis twice, almost a third time this past year as well. He said he will never forget his interactions with him.
“I said ‘Holy Father, I want to thank you for being Pope,'” Bishop Haines said. “He said to me, 'pray for me,' which I thought was beautiful.”
Bishop Haines said he will remember the Pope’s kindness and the way he made each person he spoke to feel important.
Bishop Jim Schuerman got to meet the Pope at the same time as Bishop Haines. He said Pope Francis will forever leave his mark on the Catholic Church.
“Pope Francis has been very special to me because of his message,” Bishop Jim Schuerman said. “He was the Pope who really proclaimed the joy of the Gospel and called all of us to be missionary disciples in this world, and to claim the good news, mainly by the way we live our lives.”
Monday begins the nine days of mourning for the Catholic Church to honor the life of Pope Francis across the world.
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