MIAMI – The bells are ringing for the passing of a pontiff.
From the Vatican to South Florida, it’s the final farewell to Pope Francis.
Saturday, hundreds of Catholics from Miami-Dade, Broward and beyond gathered to pray and honor the life of Pope Francis inside of Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Miami.
“He was a simple man. He was about the people and every person and even the people that nobody paid attention to,” said Nersa Garcia. ”You can see how much, the impact he had on people.”
Archbishop Thomas Wenski presided over the mass, along with over a dozen other priests throughout the archdiocese.
“He was more highly regarded by those outside the church than by many within the church,” said Wenski. ”His death was not unexpected, but just like what happens with our parents or grandparents when they go, it always comes as a shock and so we grieve and grief is the pain of letting go.”
While Catholics filled the pews in Miami, they’re remembering Francis’s life and the work he did all over the world.
“Pope Francis was the shepherd of the Catholic Church and he was important to us,” said Garcia.
At Saint Mary’s Cathedral, there is a black bunting draped around the doors. It will remain there until a new pope is elected, then they will drape the doors with white and gold.
