Local Catholics mourn Pope Francis
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Many people are visiting local Catholic Churches to mourn Pope Francis, who died following a stroke and heart failure early Easter Monday at the age of 88.
Consuelo Benavidez shared her thoughts outside the Old Mission Santa Barbara after the evening bells tolled.
She attends church at the Mission and works with end of life needs.
Even though she expected his passing, Benavidez said she is feeling emotional.
Father Pedro Lopez at Our Lady of Guadalupe shared his thoughts before Monday's Mass.
Fr. Pedro was the spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles during the last Conclave.
"Surprised and saddened, but at the same time glad for him because he was prepared, he was ready for this moment and his last illness in the hospital he told everyone he was ready and he made the specific arrangements for what followed his death," said Fr. Pedro, "so, he knew what was coming and he was at peace with it.
Fr. Egren Gomez from the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Barbara said he was in his first year of seminary when Jorge Mario Bergolglio became the Pope 12 years ago.
Fr. Egren takes comfort in his faith and said death is not the end.
"Our faith tells us that death is not the final answer death on Easter Sunday what we celebrate is that life conquers darkness and his rising conquers death," said Fr. Egren.
Engagement Community Specialist and volunteer Carolyn O'Mara said "Merciful" described Pope Francis.
She will forever cherish the books Pope Francis wrote during his leadership.
"He has really been the voice for the voiceless he has been my voice so many times," said O'Mara.
Our faith tells us that death is not the final answer death on Easter Sunday what we celebrate is that life conquers darkness and his rising conquers death."
Many said his passing the day after Easter is special.
This Easter was celebrated on the same day in the East and West, allowing Pope Francis to speak to the faithful on the same Easter holiday being celebrated around the world.
The Pope appeared to give Easter his all by speaking from the balcony, visiting with the faithful, riding in the Popemobile and meeting Vice President J.D. Vance and family.
He reminded followers that "Peace is Possible."
The Pope, who turned 88 in December, spent 5 weeks in the hospital for double pneumonia this year.
Catholic churches are preparing for nine days of devotion called Novena.
Fr. Pedro said their Novena for the soul of Pope Francis will run from April 23- May 1.
Churches are also preparing to talk about the Pope's passing during Mass this week and in the following weeks as the church prepares to name his successor.
A majority of Masses at Our Lady are done in Spanish.
Holy Cross will be open to the public starting Tuesday.
A memorial photo will be placed in the Outdoor St. Francis Plaza by the new Resurrection Cross at Holy Cross Catholic Church of Cliff Drive in Santa Barbara on Tuesday.
All are welcome to come and ay their respects by bringing flowers, candles and personal notes.
For more information visit https://www.olgsb.org or https://www.holycrosssantabarbara.org
