Catholic community in Los Angeles react to Pope Francis’ passing
LOS ANGELES (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - In many ways, Los Angeles represents what Pope Francis cared about: The migrant, the poor and the disenfranchised.
"I have to say that my feelings today are very personal. I'm going to miss him," said Archbishop Jose Gomez, Diocese of Los Angeles.
A saddened Archbishop Gomez spoke of missing his friend, Pope Francis, who gave Gomez a team of bishops to help with the country's largest catholic community.
Those bishops and those faithful listened as Gomez spoke of what his friend stood for.
"That was Pope Francis's vision of the church. A church of weaknesses. A church of love and mercy," Gomez shared.
The pope's death brought Alma Jimenez and her mother to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, bearing flowers and wearing grief, but also, she said, encouraged.
"We're really sad we're really sad but also you know we're all going to have to die but it's uplifting to be in God's hands," Jimenez expressed.
It also brought Cesar Rosales and his family, who said even though he didn't always agree with Pope Francis, he was grateful to him for bringing forth issues that needed to be discussed.
"He was very controversial...I would say very ambiguous in many sense. For me, it helped me mature in my faith," Rosales admitted.
A black bunting was put over the Cathedral's entrance to signify a people in mourning, over a pope Gomez says always put people first.
"He's concerned with every single human person," Gomez explained.
To watch the livestream of the mass, see attached video.
