Hundreds remember ‘beautiful’ presence

Remembering the late Pope Francis are Luciana Soto (left), of Argentina, and Marita Johnson, of Dunedin, at St Joseph’s Cathedral, in Dunedin yesterday. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

As the bell tolled at Dunedin’s St Joseph’s Cathedral, people gathered to remember a humble man who helped to change the world — Pope Francis.

More than 200 people attended a Mass for the late Pontiff yesterday.

Among them was Luciana Soto, of Argentina, who used to attend his church in Buenos Aires before he became the Pope.

It was a special time when people could get closer to him without being stopped by a security detail.

"His presence was very strange for me.

"Even from very far, when I saw him I felt so sad and so happy at the same time — it was so beautiful.

"He made me feel like a good human.

"I feel very blessed, very lucky to have known him. I am also very proud because he was Argentine."

Like many Catholics around the world, she was surprised and saddened by his death earlier this week, and also concerned about what would happen in the Catholic Church now.

Marita Johnson, of Dunedin, said she attended yesterday’s Mass because she wanted to honour Pope Francis, and be with her "church family" at a time of great sadness.

She felt lucky to have been blessed twice by Pope Francis.

"I’ll never forget that. It was very special.

Dunedin Bishop Michael Dooley and Rev Father Vaughan Leslie hold a Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.

"For me, he was a man of his word.

"If he said he was going to do something, he would try to do it, and he did — controversially — but he did it.

"He made many changes for the better, I think.

"He created a much more inclusive church."

Another attendee, who declined to be named, said she was not a Catholic, but attended the Mass out of respect.

"I ... really admired the way he has lived his life and the way he has loved people, regardless of who they are.

"I want to pray for the people electing the new pope, that it might be someone after Pope Francis’ own heart."

Dunedin Bishop Michael Dooley said the Mass was a celebration of the Pope’s life and the qualities he brought to the role.

"His emphasis on mercy, on being welcoming to the church, and also listening to others and being a bit more prayerful and discerning rather than rushing into things.

"These things will be his legacy. There’s a lot of things to give thanks for."

Many in the community, including himself, were shocked to hear of the Pope’s death, so the Mass was an opportunity to come together, remember him, pray for him and support one another.

"We’ll be looking to the future as well, for the election of the new pope, that there will be wisdom and discernment in that."

john.lewis@odt.co.nz