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Hundreds pay tribute to Pope Francis at St. Louis Cathedral [1]
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Date: 2025-04-23
Hundreds gathered at St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter on Wednesday (April 23) for a memorial mass honoring the life of Pope Francis, who died on Monday (April 21) at the age of 88.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was remembered for his progressive views and was the first pope from Latin America.
Members of the clergy walked down the main aisle of the church in a procession that began at noon. Mourners from the New Orleans archdiocese and other members of the community came to pay their respects as members of the archdiocese spoke during the mass.
“Francis did not see himself as a king, somebody on a throne or a powerful ruler,” said Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond during his remarks. “But he saw himself rather as a father in faith, as a brother, working and walking with the people.”
PHOTOS: The archdiocese of New Orleans hosts memorial mass for Pope Francis
Ty Brown drinks wine during the memorial service of Pope Francis in the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Addie Villavaso, right, and Jathleen Williams hold hands during the memorial service of Pope Francis in the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Brent Barrios leads a procession of clergy members into the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
DeoGratias Ekisa, right, and Michael Schneller during the memorial service of Pope Francis in the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Candle offerings near the entrance of the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
A portrait of Pope Francis rests against the pulpit in the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Trimiko Melancon, left, and Judith Barial during a prayer in honor of Pope Francis in the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Archbishop Gregory Aymond enters the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Cantor Sarah Jane McMahon leads the congregation in song at the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Members of the New Orleans archdiocese sing a hymn during the memorial service of Pope Francis in the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Hundreds filled the pews of the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 to remember the life of Pope Francis. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Julius Laurent during the memorial service of Pope Francis in the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
Brent Barrios leads a procession of clergy members into the St. Louis Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: John Gray / Verite News
The ceremony featured prayer, hymns and moments of silence to honor the late religious leader.
“Obviously it’s a sad time for the church as we mourn Pope Francis,” said Sarah Comiskey McDonald, director of communications for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
“We look ahead with hope for not only his eternal rest, but also praying for our church. And this is Easter season, it being really a time that we focus on resurrection.”
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