Old Mission Santa Barbara welcomes people to Mass for Pope Francis

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The death of Pope Francis, 88, on the day after Easter is on the minds of many Catholics.

Many are attending events to honor him before the Conclave to choose the next Pope begins on May 7th.

The Old Mission Santa Barbara hosted a Mass for Pope Francis in its Serra Chapel on Wednesday.

Fr. Joe Schwab said they chose not to use the main chapel because the sound is being updated.

Seating in the Serra Chapel was first-come, first-serve.

Fr. Joe, as he is known, said he hoped people take memories away from the mass.

"Good memories of an extraordinary individual that really made his place in world history a real figure on the world stage they were part of too all these people were part of it too," said Fr. Joe.

Many people brought children with them.

"It was really beautiful and Faith Formation so I have our children with us," said Marcia Cuykendall.

Fr. Dan Lackie said, "It is about keeping the light of hope alive and keeping that spirit that Francis tried to project."

Perishioner German Brignole said the Conclave this time around will be made up of diverse cardinals.

"The thing about conclave he brought that diversity into the church that people  they never thought of doing" said Brignole.

People of all faiths seems to have favorite photos and memories of the Pope Francis.

For more information visit https://www.santabarbaraparish.org