ST. LOUIS – Known to be compassionate and kind, Pope Francis’ time in pontificate has clearly left a mark on people of all ages and backgrounds.

Catholics in the St. Louis area have praised Pope Francis for his progressive leadership, highlighting his messages of love and inclusion as transformative for the Church.

Mackenzie Long-Sanchez attended Catholic school growing up and remarked, “I think he did so much not only for the catholic church but also for all the marginalized people in the world.”

Long-Sanchez also admires the progressive pope welcoming LGBTQIA+ people with open arms, expressing a desire to bless their marriages, championing environmental action through Laudato Si and also working to elevate women and laypeople within the Church.

“I’m really sad that we’re losing such an amazing social justice advocate,” Long-Sanchez said.

Elementary schoolers Jack Kellher and Billy Luzecky were riding their bikes at Francis park, across the street from the Church of St. Gabriel the Archangel.

“It made me feel sad because I really loved him. He was a good shepherd,” Kellher, a parishioner, said.

The Catholic Church is currently in a period of structural mourning, as is traditional following the death of a pope.

Pope Francis left a significant impact on people of all ages and backgrounds, urging the Church to be more open, accepting and humble.

The pope’s funeral is traditionally held 4 to 6 days after his death, marking a solemn period for Catholics worldwide.

Pope Francis’s legacy of inclusivity and advocacy continues to resonate with Catholics as they reflect on his contributions to the Church and society.

“A quote from Pope Francis that says, ‘To change the world, we must be good to those who can’t repay us.’ And I think that’s a good way to live our lives,” said Chris DePalma, another parishioner.