The death of Pope Francis, the beloved leader of the Catholic Church, has left the world in mourning. The pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88, left behind a lasting legacy of inclusivity, compassion, and social justice. Among those deeply affected by this loss is Chicago’s Blase Cardinal Cupich, who shared his grief in a heartfelt statement. Cupich, reflecting on the pope’s leadership, noted that Pope Francis’ message of hope and dignity for all people would continue to resonate worldwide. Cardinal Cupich also plans to lead a memorial Mass to honor the late pope, offering prayers for the repose of his soul and guidance for the church as it moves forward.
The loss of Pope Francis was confirmed by Blase Cardinal Cupich, the Archbishop of Chicago, who expressed a deep personal and ecclesiastical sorrow. “In this moment of profound loss, I take this moment to express our gratitude for the gift of his papacy,” said Cupich, offering prayers for the late pope and calling on the faithful to continue his mission of compassion.
In a statement, Cupich urged the church and its followers to embody Pope Francis’ vision by embracing all people, regardless of their backgrounds or struggles. “Pope Francis wanted us to see each other, to listen to each other, and to offer our prayers and actions so that everyone may experience the fullness of God’s promise,” he said. The cardinal emphasized that the best way to honor the pope’s memory was to carry on his work of building a more inclusive church, one that prioritizes justice and peace.
The Archdiocese of Chicago has planned a memorial Mass to celebrate the life of Pope Francis, which will take place at Holy Name Cathedral on Wednesday morning. The Mass is open to all, with no tickets required, and will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Cardinal Cupich, who has been a close confidant of Pope Francis, will then leave for the pope’s funeral and the upcoming conclave that will elect the next pope.
Despite the sadness of Pope Francis’ passing, Cardinal Cupich remains calm and reflective. In a conversation with CBS News, Cupich expressed his admiration for the pope’s unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. “He was always inclusive and had an incredible ease with people,” said Cupich, recalling their years of collaboration. The cardinal fondly remembered Pope Francis’ sense of humor and his ability to listen intently to everyone, from the highest ranks of the church to the marginalized in society.
Pope Francis was known for his outspoken support of social justice issues, advocating for the rights of immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and those on the margins of society. His commitment to diversity and inclusion was evident throughout his papacy, despite resistance from within the church. Cardinal Cupich remarked that Pope Francis’ approach was not about ideological battles but about meeting people where they are in their lives.
Cupich recalled how Pope Francis encouraged clergy to reach out to the marginalized, including the divorced and remarried, and those struggling with their faith. “Pope Francis saw no reason to exclude people,” Cupich noted, remembering the pope’s motto of “going to the margins” to bring people into the church. This inclusive approach was a hallmark of Pope Francis’ tenure, influencing both the church’s teachings and its public image.
Pope Francis’ leadership was always grounded in his commitment to human dignity. He used his papacy to challenge ideologies and bring attention to the real-life issues facing the church’s followers. Whether speaking about immigration, poverty, or social inequality, Pope Francis always sought common ground. As Cupich put it, “He was more concerned with the reality of people’s lives than with abstract ideas.”
Cardinal Cupich also remembered Pope Francis’ emphasis on humility. “He wanted us to be with the people,” Cupich said. “He didn’t want to see priests as CEOs or bureaucrats; he wanted them to be pastors first.” This approach resonated deeply with many, including Fr. Michael Pfleger, a prominent Chicago priest who supported Pope Francis’ progressive stances on social issues.
The city of Chicago has been deeply moved by the pope’s passing, with many local leaders offering tributes. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin expressed his grief, stating, “We have lost the messenger, but we must hold fast to the message of Pope Francis to love and respect one another.” Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama also paid tribute to Pope Francis, describing him as a leader who inspired others to be better people. They reflected on his humility and his unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the outpouring of condolences, calling Pope Francis “the people’s pope.” The mayor highlighted the pope’s work for the rights of the voiceless, the poor, and the marginalized, noting that his legacy would live on in the hearts of millions around the world.
In the wake of Pope Francis’ death, the church is preparing for a period of mourning and transition. After the funeral, the College of Cardinals will convene for a conclave to elect a new pope. Cardinal Cupich, one of the voting cardinals, has expressed his humility about the process, describing himself as a “novice” in conclave procedures. The conclave, which may take days or weeks, will be an important moment in the life of the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis had previously expressed a desire to be buried outside the Vatican, at one of his favorite churches, marking a significant departure from tradition. The funeral will take place in St. Peter’s Square, with nearly a billion Catholics worldwide mourning the loss of their spiritual leader.
Pope Francis’ death marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. His papacy brought a fresh perspective on faith, one rooted in humility, compassion, and inclusivity. As Cardinal Cupich and others mourn the loss of their leader, they are committed to honoring his memory by continuing his work of building a more just, inclusive, and loving church. As the church prepares for the election of a new pope, many hope that the next leader will continue the legacy of Pope Francis, a pope who truly cared for the marginalized and lived by the teachings of Christ.
