As Las Vegas prepares to bid farewell to Pope Francis, the city's community came together in shared mourning and remembrance of the pontiff's legacy. Local Catholics filled the Guardian Angel Cathedral, reflecting on the impact Pope Francis had on their faith and the inclusive message he championed. KTNV reported the memorial mass led by Archbishop George Leo Thomas, where attendees, such as Amy Ayoub, shared their personal narratives of being drawn back to Catholicism thanks to the progressive leadership of the late pope.
"It's a huge loss, and we can only hope that he set the precedent and that any popes following will follow in his footsteps," Ayoub told KTNV during the service. Many came not just to quietly reflect but to also publicly hope for a successor to fully continue embodying the pope’s inclusive spirit. Archbishop Thomas, sharing a personal connection with Pope Francis, considered him a "spiritual father" and underscored his message: "That holiness belongs to everyone," a sentiment he imparted upon the gathered faithful.
In a similar vein, the heart of the Latino community connected greatly to Pope Francis, as noted by attendees such as Mercedes Hernandez at a separate service reported by 8 News Now. "It was the first time we had a connection, especially the Latino families, the Latino people," Hernandez said, emphasizing the significant bridge Pope Francis built between the papacy and the people.
Vatican City gears up to host the funeral, with over 200,000 people expected to attend, marking a significant event in Catholic history. For those unable to travel, the funeral will be broadcasted, with coverage starting in the early hours to accommodate the global audience. "What we need to do now is to follow his steps. That's what we need right now, with everything going on," Hernandez further told 8 News Now, voicing the collective call to action for those mourning to carry forward Pope Francis's legacy of love and inclusivity.
