Faithful Gather at Cathedral for Memorial Mass Honoring Pope Francis
In prayer for a beloved shepherd of the Church, the Diocese of Peoria gathered Monday evening at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception for a Memorial Mass for Pope Francis, who passed into eternal life one week ago. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Louis Tylka, who offered a homily rich in gratitude, remembrance, and hope.
The suddenness of Pope Francis’ death — coming just one day after he delivered the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing at St. Peter’s Square — still weighed heavily on the congregation. Yet, Bishop Tylka pointed to the deep Christian meaning in the timing of the Holy Father’s passing.
“On Easter we rejoice in the news of an empty tomb — the news that Christ has risen from the dead,” Bishop Tylka said. “Indeed, after celebrating once again the joy of the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Father was blessed to experience the joy in being called home.”
Diocesan priests who attended the Memorial Mass walk by Pope Francis photo.
Throughout his homily, Bishop Tylka reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas and a spiritual leader who had captured the hearts of millions around the globe. Drawing from Pope Francis’ first encyclical, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Bishop Tylka emphasized the Holy Father’s deep conviction that Christ’s resurrection is not just a past event but a living, vital power at work in the world today — a message Pope Francis proclaimed with every act of ministry.
“He was christened the ‘People’s Pope’ because of his accessibility, his humility, the warmth of his smile, and the way he embraced all people — the sick, the poor, the marginalized,” Bishop Tylka said.
The bishop recounted Pope Francis’ moral leadership in advocating for peace, defending the sanctity of life, urging care for creation, and standing in solidarity with migrants and refugees. At every step, Bishop Tylka noted, Pope Francis’ faith in Jesus Christ served as the foundation for his leadership.
Bishop Tylka shared a personal story of his meeting with Pope Francis in September 2022 during a formation gathering for new bishops at the Vatican. Although language barriers made parts of the conversation difficult to understand, the encounter left a lasting impression.
Bishop Tylka greets Pope Francis on September 8, 2022.
“There truly was a sense of having been in the presence of holiness,” Bishop Tylka recalled. “In Jorge Bergoglio — Francis — we witnessed the loving face of Jesus.”
Bishop Tylka closed his homily by quoting the Holy Father’s final encyclical, Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us), which spoke of the deep consolation found in contemplating the Heart of Jesus and the enduring love that triumphs over death.
He was christened the ‘People’s Pope’ because of his accessibility, his humility, the warmth of his smile, and the way he embraced all people — the sick, the poor, the marginalized,”
“We are grateful for Pope Francis — his life, his priesthood, his papacy,” Bishop Tylka said. “And now we pray: Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”
The Memorial Mass was attended by clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across the diocese, who offered their personal prayer for the Holy Father. At the end of Mass, the Cathedral bell tolled 88 times for the 88 years the Holy Father lived.
