Cardinal Blase Cupich to participate in the conclave to select successor to Pope Francis
Catholics across the Chicago area are remembering the late pope and his commitment to social justice.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, has released a statement following the death of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis died at 88 years old on Monday morning, the Vatican confirmed.
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Cupich wrote in his statement, "I have received word that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died. In this moment of profound loss for me personally and for the Church, I take this moment to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the gift of his papacy and to pray for the repose of his soul. The finest memorial we can offer is to re-form our hearts as Pope Francis asked - to see our brothers and sisters, to listen to them and to offer our prayers and actions that all may experience the fullness of God's promise. As we mourn his passing, I ask that God comfort us, but also strengthen us to remain steadfast in carrying on the work of restoring our Church's place in the world as a source of hope and an advocate for those in need."
In a recorded message on Monday afternoon, Cupich memorialized the late pope.
"I come away with a great sense of gratitude that I got to be a part of it," Cupich said. "He energized the church to move forward. He gave us a more expansive view of what we could be."
Though he never visited, the pontiff's tenure reached into Chicago from the beginning, elevating Cupich first to archbishop of Chicago, and then personally appointing Cupich to the College of Cardinals in 2016.
"We didn't know each other, and the first time I met him was, I would say, 10 months later, in June of 2015," Cupich said.
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As Pope Francis remained hospitalized for pneumonia in February and March, Cupich sat down with ABC7's Tanja Babich to speak about the issues that guided both leaders faith, and his personal friendship that formed organically over time with the pontiff.
"We hit it off right away. It was very clear that he knew my background. He knew what I was about and the things I have done, and so, by the information that he received, he felt as though I could do the job here in Chicago and would do it in such a way that he wanted the church."
Cupich spoke about the Holy See's approach to leadership and the legacy he leaves for 1.4 billion Catholics around the world.
"I think that he wanted to set up an understanding of the church, first of all, to be a field hospital, but also a church that is called synodal, that is that we walk together and that we listen to each other, we're not just a teaching church, but a listening church," Cupich said. "Are there people who don't like this? Yes, but I think that the direction is irreversible."
As the son of immigrants, Pope Francis, Cupich said, focused on the plight of the poor, migrants, and war refugees.
"He realizes that we're, our lives are enhanced when we engage people. And he put them at ease many times with with his good sense of humor. But I think it came down to the fact that he really liked people and he respected them," Cupich said.
Bishop Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet echoed that sentiment.
"His gifts, which are many, included living a life of humble service, loving everyone, very approachable, compassionate and had this outreach to the less fortunate," Hicks said. "He was a bridger of gaps, and he was not afraid to address both spiritual topics and controversial topics."
The future of the church will be up to the 135 voting members of the College of Cardinals, who will be formally summoned to the Vatican. Chicago natives Cardinals Robert Francis, Wilton Gregory and Cupich are among them.
"The successor realizes something's been added on, but then he needs to carry it forward with his own way, and we should welcome that all the time," Cupich said.
The Archdiocese of Chicago announced that Cupich, now 76, will preside over a memorial service for Pope Francis on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at Holy Name Cathedral.
Chicago Catholics react to Pope Francis' death
Many of the congregants at Holy Name Cathedral said they were shocked at the news of Pope Francis' passing.
"I was just so sad," Nivea Mehta, Holy Name Cathedral parishioner, said. "I thought he was getting better yesterday when we saw him."
It was shocking news after Pope Francis appeared during Easter, giving what would be his last message to the public - a call for world peace.
"He went to prisons. He went to hospitals. He went to orphanages," said Holy Name Cathedral Associate Pastor Father Andy Matijevic. "He really lived out the call of Jesus that said, 'We are here to serve and not be served.'"
Matijevic, an associate pastor at Holy Name Cathedral, says Pope Francis was pope when he began his career in priesthood. He remembers Pope Francis as the pontiff who charmed the world with his more progressive approach to Catholic teachings, including a welcoming spirit towards the LGBTQ+ people and a deep concern for the immigrant community.
"We come from different backgrounds and walks of life," Matijevic said. "We all have a same, we have a heart that beats within us, so we have blood through our veins, and we have a call to work together wherever we come from."
As parishioners grieve the loss, they look toward the election of a new pope. Many like Nivea Mehta say they hope the pope will have the same formidable spirit as Pope Francis.
"I hope the next pope will be just like me - outspoken," Mehta said.
Pope Francis' progressive stance on members of the LGBTQ+ community
Pope Francis did not shy away from controversy, and remained outspoken when it came to world issues, such as immigration, preserving the planet and gay rights.
He preached for a more inclusive Catholic Church, and in a 2023 interview, he said, "being gay is not a crime."
Those are values that Old Saint Patrick's Church upholds as it continues to welcome people of all sexual orientations.
"We find it hard, I think, to hold at the same time, that the church might teach a particular thing for example on homosexuality, but still love people in those circumstances and to try and be in communication and conversation, and to love folks and welcome them in the way Jesus would love them," said Father Pat McGrath.
Chris Pett is with Dignity Chicago. The 43-year-old organization helps support LGBTQ+ Catholics.
Pett says the turning point came early in the pope's papacy. When he was asked about a gay priest, Pope Francis responded, "Who am I to judge?"
READ MORE | What Pope Francis said about controversial issues from gay rights to immigration
Pett says his community knew then that Pope Francis was a revolutionary figure.
"The focus was not on the primacy. It was on the primacy of the individual, not the primacy of the doctrine. He wasn't coming back with, 'the church teaches, blah, blah,'" Pett said. "Evidently, he's the first pope that ever used the word 'gay,' number one. I think it came in kind of in drips and dribbles along the way, and then it became a little more focused over time."
It was that spirit that has drawn criticism from conservative Catholics across the world, including President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to the Vatican, Brian Burch, who lives in Lombard.
Joe Donnelly previously served that role under a devoutly Catholic President Joe Biden.
"He always tried to do what he thinks, what he thought, was right," Donnelly said. "And I think what he's done is change the nature of the church."
The pope pushed his inclusive attitude throughout the church. He urged leaders to be pastors, rather than doctrinaires.
Several Chicago Catholic churches welcome the LGBTQ+ community.
"He had a broad vision, again, of the doors of the church opening and welcoming people in, and trying to send the message of Jesus as broadly as possible," McGrath said.
And that message of Jesus included elevating the roles of women. Pope Francis made historic appointments to women in the Vatican. He also lifted women up who have always played important roles within the church, like feeding and clothing the poor.
"I think it was raising us up and recognizing the role that women do play in the church and have always played," said Archdiocese of Chicago Sister Mary Beth Bromer.
Pope Francis was also the first Jesuit pontiff, something that hits close to home for McGrath, who is a Jesuit priest.
"As a Jesuit, he brought to the leadership of the church, he brought a way of discerning and asking questions, and not being afraid of questions and being willing to have dialogue," McGrath said.
Loyola students, faculty remember first Jesuit pope
That fact has also been significant to those at Loyola University Chicago, which is one of the country's largest Jesuit universities.
Flags were at half staff at the campus on Monday.
Aleja Sastoque was chosen to ask Pope Francis a question about immigration during a virtual conversation with students three years ago.
Her photo from the Vatican from that day is one of her treasured possessions. She recalled that encounter on Monday morning, upon learning of the pope's death.
"He was very approachable, close with people he talked to. I think that was his biggest legacy," Sastoque said.
Loyola Professor Michael Murphy has been blessed to have numerous audiences with Pope Francis in recent years.
He recalled the late pope's down-to-earth manner and generosity with his time. One meeting lasted nearly an hour. He says Pope Francis focused the attention of the church on issues of social justice and engagement with the world at large. He wanted the church to be accessible and inclusive, of and for the people.
"I can't think of a more credible leader, wisdom figure, person with integrity on the world stage right now. We're going to miss his stability," Murphy said.
In his 12 years as the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis leaves a significant legacy. He lived a simple life, championing the poor, in line with his vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
"There's a real sense of action, of social justice, at the heart of the mission of the church. There's also the spirit of intellectual engagement," Murphy said.
Pope Francis' compassion toward migrants, marginalized people
Pope Francis was also the first pope from the Americas. The former bishop of Argentina was also the first Latin American pontiff.
"In all he did, he was proud he was from Argentina, Latin America, not a rich place," Sastoque said.
Pope Francis made compassion for migrants and marginalized people the foundation of his papacy.
"He was a good man. He was very human. He cared for poor people. He cared for immigration. He cared for many things," said Enrique Gallegos, who mourned the late pope at the Chapel of Saint Joseph on Monday.
That message resonated with parishioners at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines.
"I saw people were getting closer to God. Because of him, I feel like people were more connecting," said Maria Guadalupe.
A powerful symbol of Mexican identity, Pope Francis encouraged the continued devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe last year, further endearing him to Latino Catholics.
"We knew he could relate to our needs, to our suffering, to the poor people and what they go through," said Patty Bravo.
Pope Francis is being remembered for calling for the compassionate treatment of migrants.
"He was a very forward-thinking pope, and I hope to see someone like him as pope next," said Vivian Quinn.
SEE ALSO | Pope Francis and Donald Trump clashed for years over treatment of migrants
It was an issue personal to the pope, who was born to Italian immigrants in Argentina.
"He was very sensitive to issues of refugees. He was sensitive to the immigration issue, primarily, because that's his life," said Father Esequiel Sanchez.
Many of the pope's foreign visits included time spent with refugees fleeing their homelands.
"He spoke for everyone, whether you're Catholic or not. He was kind and prayerful for everyone," said Sophia Wonogas.
And he often clashed with world leaders who sought to limit the flow of migrants across their borders.
"He's trying to say, 'You're dealing with people. Don't blame the poor for the decisions of the leaders,'" Sanchez said. "He's a man whose history is about seeing people hurting, and he sees his mission as a response to that."
Services were held at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in honor of Pope Francis on Monday evening, with a prayer at 6 p.m. and a requiem Mass at 7 p.m.
"Very sad for him, but we're also glad that he's home now, so he's up with our Lord," said Sophia Wonogas.
Chicago area church, political leaders react to pope's death
St. Sabina Pastor Father Michael Pfleger said in a statement, "Pope Francis called the Catholic Church and the World to remember that the God we serve demands that we care for the Poor, disadvantaged and the abandoned. He challenged us to treat every person with dignity and respect, and that Justice and Love are the DNA of the Gospel His voice of conscience will be terribly missed in these times as we are watching the very Soul of America being stripped away each day."
The Bishop of Gary Most Reverend Robert J. McClory said in a statement, in part, "Pope Francis lived out the joy of the Gospel from the first day of his pontificate until his last breath. He consistently reminded us that the Church should be looking outward to love and accompany others as they draw closer to Jesus. The best tribute that we could give to Pope Francis is to show someone today how much Jesus loves them by what we say and do.
We unite in prayer with Catholics around the world and all people of goodwill in gratitude for the life of our Pope Francis and pray during this Easter season, as we celebrate His resurrection, that our Lord will bless Pope Francis with the reward of eternal life."
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement, "Pope Francis, the people's pope, will be remembered as a faith leader who gave voice to the voiceless. He fought for the rights and the dignity of the poor, prisoners, migrants, and outcasts as part of his vision for peace and social justice. Guided by his deep faith in God and humanity, Pope Francis advocated for a world without war. His legacy will live on in the hearts of the millions of people throughout the world who took comfort in his message. May he rest in peace.
We will continue to learn from Pope Francis and take inspiration from the power of his moral clarity. "We have to state, without mincing words, that there is an inseparable bond between our faith and the poor. May we never abandon them."
READ MORE | Tributes from world leaders pour in after Pope Francis' death
Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued a statement on the the death of Pope Francis saying, "Today Catholics, and the world have lost a leader who defined his papacy by his humility and humanity. Pope Francis' progressive legacy expands past the Church, being an advocate for peace for every person and community across the world. His perspective on interfaith dialogue and social justice paved the way for positive reforms in the Catholic community. He consistently drew attention to the plight of the poor and warned against a 'culture of indifference' towards marginalized populations. He condemned the criminalization and deportation of immigrants and approved several measures that made the Catholic church more accepting of LGBTQ+ people. He condemned the bombing of civilians in Gaza. In 2015, he called for the world to take action against global warming and environmental degradation in his second encyclical Laudato Si'. Through his sympathy and social consciousness, he emphasized the importance of humanitarianism and revitalized the hope of many. He was particularly loved in the Latino Catholic community as the first Pope of Latin American origin.
My social values have and will always be tied to my upbringing as a Catholic, and I will remember Pope Francis as a leader deeply committed to faith and justice. May he rest in peace."
With deep sorrow today, we received the news of Pope Francis' passing. As we mourn the loss of our Holy Father, let us come together in prayer, remembering that he has passed during this Jubilee Year of Hope. A few years ago, in one of his many memorable homilies, Pope Francis boldly preached, "Christ is risen and with Him rises our creative hope, a hope that encourages us to start anew."
Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois said in a statement, "Pope Francis will long be remembered for his outreach to those on the margins of the Church and of society. He renewed for us the mission to bring the Gospel out to the ends of the earth and offer divine mercy to all. Pope Francis also took the opportunity of the present Jubilee to call us to a profound hope: one that is not an empty or naïve hope, but one grounded in the promise of Almighty God to be with us always.
This is a providential moment for us witnessing that our Holy Father has died so soon after the celebration of Easter, the season of our Lord's resurrection. Together with great gratitude, hope and faith, let us pray: "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May we continue to hold him and each other in our prayers during these Holy days. And may God bless you always."
Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement, "Pope Francis showed the world how to lead with empathy and humility. Extending a hand to help anyone in need, "the People's Pope" inspired millions who drew strength and compassion from him to embrace peace. May his memory be a blessing."
Sen. Dick Durbin said in a statement, "We have lost the messenger, but we must hold fast to the message of Pope Francis to love and respect one another. In a world of hate and fear, Pope Francis' message of peace and understanding is needed now more than ever.
We should honor the Pope with a 'Francis Day' of world peace: stop the bombing in Ukraine and Gaza; feed the dying in Sudan and around the globe; and show kindness to one another."
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth said in a statement, "Pope Francis was a pillar of the Catholic Church, a beacon of hope, compassion and light in times of fear, hatred and darkness. Throughout his life, he taught us that in order to be great, we have to be good. He urged each of us to care for the poor, feed the hungry, be humble stewards of the Earth and treat others how we would want to be treated ourselves-even if they pray or live differently than us. His teachings remain as important as ever."
Robert L. Manuel, president of DePaul University said in a statement, "On behalf of the DePaul University community, we join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a transformative leader whose humility, compassion, and visionary spirit reshaped the Church. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, we felt a deep spiritual resonance between Pope Francis and our patron, St. Vincent de Paul. Both lived as reformers - affirming the sacred dignity of those most in need and seeking out those on the margins of society. Their examples challenge us to be more faithful, more just, and more loving.
Through his example of hope and mercy, Pope Francis urged us to listen deeply, welcome the stranger, and protect the most vulnerable among us. His teachings on integral human development called us to see the profound connection between our care for the earth and our care for one another.
Through his emphasis on synodality, he encouraged us to dialogue with those who are different from us. He inspired us to build bridges - to collaborate, engage in meaningful dialogue, and seek shared purpose, even with those with whom we disagree."
His vision for the world was rooted in compassion, justice, and the flourishing of all people," Manuel continued. "Through his example, we were invited to look beyond our own interests and into the heart of the common good, to act as stewards of our common home, and to embody God's love in how we serve, teach, and live together."
In honor of Pope Francis' passing, memorial services will be planned for faculty, staff, and students as part of the period of mourning. Service details will be shared when they are made available."
