Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral was a gathering place for grief and reflection on Wednesday morning as Cardinal Blase Cupich led a memorial Mass to honor the late Pope Francis. Amidst a backdrop of mourning in St. Peter's Basilica and throughout the world, the local ceremony drew attention as Cardinal Cupich is set to play a significant role in the election of the new pope. He marked the somber occasion, declaring, "I have received word that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died," in a statement recorded by NBC Chicago.
With more than two million Catholics under his leadership in the Chicago area, Cardinal Cupich shared his reflections on the pontiff, whom he called a friend. Recalling Francis as a figure who endeavored to make the church more inclusive, Cupich honored his friend’s transformative effect on the Catholic Church, remembering him for his advocacy for immigrants, refugees, and marginalized communities. He celebrated Francis's legacy, stating, "He believes that we are all fellow pilgrims and that we can learn from one another along the way," a sentiment reported by ABC 7 Chicago.
The late Pope's death certificate, issued by Vatican authorities, cited a stroke leading to irreversible heart failure as the cause of death for the 88-year-old, which followed his final public appearance on Easter Sunday. Vatican News noted Francis showed signs of illness early on Easter Monday, and in a sobering report, slipped into a coma after making a gesture of farewell to his health care assistant. In approximately two weeks, Cupich, along with other cardinal electors, will enter the Sistine Chapel for the conclave to determine Francis' successor.
Meanwhile, with the funeral scheduled for 10 a.m. local time on Saturday, massive crowds have been forming at St. Peter's Basilica for public viewing. Over fears of overcrowding, access to St. Peter's Square was momentarily halted, as tens of thousands queued to pay their respects, reminiscent of the turnout for Pope John Paul II's viewing in 2005. According to details by NBC Chicago, the Vatican expects the numbers for Francis' lying-in-state to be substantial, signaling the late pope's significant impact on believers worldwide.
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