Area Catholics are mourning the passing of Pope Francis.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in an announcement Monday. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”

The 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church passed away early Monday morning at age 88. His last act was a surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. Later that day, he met privately with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

Diocese of Sioux City Bishop R. Walker Nickless, said, “Upon the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, I am saddened by our loss of such a kind and holy man while at the same time grateful for his leadership to the church in his 12-plus years as pope.” He had met the pope in January 2020.

“He was a very gregarious and jovial man,” said Monsignor Kevin McCoy with Holy Trinity Parish in Fort Dodge and St. Mary’s Church in Humboldt. “Many people, both Catholic and non-Catholic have shown real concern for what his legacy will be. What really stands out during his papacy to me was his concern for our environment and our home here on Earth.”

According to McCoy, Holy Trinity Parish and St. Mary’s Church are preparing for the nine days of mourning for Catholics, which is also known as Novemdiales which is Latin for nine days. During this time the Vatican enters an official period of mourning, and the pope’s body is displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica for five to six days allowing for dignitaries, clergy, and the faithful to pay their respects. Later, a series of nine daily funeral Masses will be celebrated in his honor both in Rome and around the world, including locally.

“We just celebrated Easter and celebrate the continuation of Easter throughout the week,” said McCoy. “So while liturgically we won’t be celebrating Mass of the dead this week, we will celebrate him in the coming days.”

McCoy noted that Holy Trinity Parish as well as St. Mary’s in Humboldt are preparing to celebrate Divine Mercy next Sunday and then will begin with a Mass for the pope at 7 a.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Parish and Tuesday at St. Mary’s in Humboldt.

“I ask the faithful to join me in offering our prayers to God the Father for the repose of the soul of his servant, Francis,” said Nickless. “We trust in the Lord who promises the resurrection of the body for his faithful. Having just celebrated the Resurrection of the Lord, we pray that His Holiness may soon enjoy the fullness of peace and joy.”

Most Rev. Thomas R. Zinkula, Archbishop of Dubuque, issued a statement reflecting on the loss of Pope Francis:

“With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. He was a shepherd after Christ’s own heart — humble, compassionate, and deeply committed to walking with the people of God, especially those on the margins.

“Pope Francis reminded us constantly of God’s mercy, calling the Church to be a field hospital for the wounded and a home for all. His pastoral heart, gentle leadership, and unwavering call to serve the poor and to care for creation will be remembered with deep gratitude.

“We entrust his soul to the loving mercy of the God he served so faithfully, and we pray for the Church he leaves behind, that we may continue to embody the Gospel values he so dearly cherished.”

Pope Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to a Rome hospital on Feb. 14 for a respiratory issue that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

Pope Francis’ papacy began March 13, 2013.