Holy Name Cathedral holds Mass commemorating Pope Francis' life on day of his funeral

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Catholic faithful in Chicago are remembering Pope Francis on the day of his funeral.

Those who were not able to make it to Vatican City came to Holy Name Catedral Saturday to honor the life and of legacy Pope Francis.

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On Saturday starting 5:15 p.m., Holy Name Cathedral hosted a Mass to commemorate the life of Pope Francis.

Parishioners also paid their respects as their 9 a.m. Saturday Mass got underway.

"We can be joyful even when our hearts are broken," Vicar General Bishop Lawrence Sullivan said.

Lost in prayer and remembrance with a portrait of Pope Francis looking on, dozens of parishioners gathered inside Holy Name Cathedral to share their love of the man who until six days ago led the world's Catholics for over 12 years.

"Pope Francis meant a lot to a lot of people," a parishioner named Joseph said. "He was an amazing example of what a true Christian is, and I felt it was only appropriate to come."

It was a solemn morning at Holy Name Cathedral after Pope Francis was laid to rest overseas. Black bunting covered the main entrance of the cathedral as Catholics mourned.

"You realized what a wonderful human being he was, Pope Francis, he really was," parishioner Marie Shaykin said.

With Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, in Rome for the funeral and the upcoming conclave, it was Bishop Sullivan who gave Saturday's homily, highlighting the simplicity of Pope Francis' casket as a reflection of the man himself.

"More important than any of the accolades that the Holy Father may have received in this life," Bishop Sullivan said. "More important than any of the titles or even his election as pope was the fact that he was a child of God."

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"The world lost a person but gained a saint in heaven, and we are always going to have the pope in our hearts," said Kenia Delgado, a Catholic visiting Chicago from Mexico.

Parishioners from near and far stopped by the cathedral to reflect on Pope Francis' legacy.

"He was a man for the people," Catholic Nancy Forester said. "He came from humble roots and he never forgot where he came from even being the highest he could be in the Catholic church."

For many, Pope Francis was a transformational world leader who preached inclusivity. He also remained outspoken when it came to world issues, such as immigration, the environment and gay rights.

"I loved it when he said, 'who am I to judge - I believe God sees the heart - we're all made in his image, it's all different, so who am I to judge?'" Forester said.

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"He was a kind, humble and incredible person that he loved everyone," Delgado said. "He was inclusive. He was the first pope saw that we are all the same."

After a mourning period, the selection process will begin to pick the next pope.

"It leaves parishioners with a lot of uncertainty, so being together is a great way to honor his life, but also find what our path forward looks like without him and have some faith that the person to come will take up his mantle," parishioner Reese Golchin said.

A group of 135 cardinals, including Cardinal Cupich, will vote in the conclave. A two-thirds majority vote is required to elect the new pontiff.

Catholics shared what values they'd like to see in the next pope.

"He has to help the people who are less well off and less fortunate," said Damian Conway, a Catholic visiting Chicago from England.

A Chicago-area nurse spoke to ABC News during live coverage of the funeral.

She spoke and sang to the pope in 2015 and shared what this moment meant to her.

After nine days of mourning, the papal conclave is expected to begin between May 6 and May 12 to pick the next pope.

"Right now in the world, we need someone to be inclusive to love everyone," Delgado said.