Idaho’s Catholic community gathered Wednesday at St. John’s Cathedral in Boise to honor Pope Francis, who
died on Easter Monday
after leading the Catholic Church for 12 years.
Solemn black curtains adorned the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Boise as parishioners assembled for a Memorial Mass to honor the pontiff whose leadership was marked by humility and compassion that resonated with Catholics worldwide.
Bishop Peter Christensen of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise expressed that despite the Pope’s known health issues, news of his passing was still sudden and emotional.
“I remember reading the news and all of a sudden the reality that he did die was apparent, and instantly tears came to my eyes,” Bishop Christensen said.
Pope Francis passed the day after Easter, a timing Bishop Christensen finds meaningful in the context of the Catholic faith’s most sacred holiday.
The Bishop carries personal memories of the Holy Father, including a meeting with Pope Francis in February 2020 that still resonates.
“I was leaving his presence, and he pulled my hand and shook it tight and close to him, and he looked at me right in the eyes and said, ‘Pray for me. Please pray for me,'” Bishop Christensen said. “I would never expect a Pope to say that to Bishop.”
Throughout the memorial service, church leadership highlighted Pope Francis’ dedication to serving marginalized communities and his encouragement for Catholics to help those wounded by society.
“There are a lot of people who have been wounded by society. Go out and care for them,” Bishop Christensen said. “Getting people out of their comfort zone and enter into a place that’s much more vulnerable all for the love of God’s people.”
As the mourning period continues, Christensen encouraged Idaho Catholics to pray for whoever becomes the next pontiff. The College of Cardinals is expected to convene within 15 to 20 days to select Pope Francis’ successor.
