Memorial mass held in Kansas City to celebrate life, service of Pope Francis
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A time of mourning is underway, as Catholics across the globe celebrate the life and service of Pope Francis.
The 88-year old Holy Pontiff died early Monday morning at his home in Vatican City. His funeral services are scheduled for Saturday in Italy.
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Pope Francis' 12 years of service ranks as the ninth-longest in the long history of the Catholic church. Monday afternoon's celebration mass at Rockhurst University is a chance for Jesuit mourners, and others from the community, to talk about the Holy Father, and how his example can endure.
Mourners from across the metro gathered at Rockhurst University's Mabee Chapel on Thursday afternoon, where prayers for comfort go out, in addition to praise and expressions of gratitude for the example set by Pope Francis.
The first Jesuit pope is unique from other papal leaders, having reached out to people who might have been overlooked or excluded by previous church leaders. Pope Francis continues to be praised for connecting with non-Catholics and non-religious audiences, too.
'I'm amazed by how he affected the life of people. I know that he was well-liked by a lot of people, but what I'm understanding now is the depth of how he touched people. He made people feel loved the way God wants us to feel,' Fr. Stephen Hess, Rockhurst University Vice-President of Missions & Ministry, said.
Hess led Thursday's mass service. Speakers at that assembly agree with his feelings, including Rockhurst student Adian Cutter.
'I think one of the biggest things is his compassion, his ministry to the marginalized and to the poor is one of the first things that got me interested in service as a young man,' Cutter said.
Catholic mourners are joined by those from other metro religious groups at Thursday's mass, including Christian speakers, Jewish and Muslim representatives too — proof of the ecumenical influence this pope's legacy carries.
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Pope Francis' funeral services will be seen live on FOX4 and WDAF+ this Saturday morning.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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