Valley parishioners remember Pope Francis

SAN JUAN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Across the Rio Grande Valley, Pope Francis is being remembered by Catholics and others for his humbleness and compassion.

Several masses and reunions to honor his legacy were done with many saying they are saddened by the news but also glad to celebrate the life of a man they considered one of the most influential popes.

Many Valley residents attended their churches to pray.

“He is the most holiest man, and he represented goodness and peace, and love and unity, he wanted to keep all our people united, and he was a great man, and we are going to miss him," said Janie Fong.

Tears fell from the eyes of many parishioners as they went to church to pay their respects. Many found out the news about his passing through social media.

“It was definitely shocking as you wake up to something like that its shocking and mind blowing," said Manny Cantu.

His portrait is no longer on the San Juan Basilica's wall showing that the papacy has a vacancy. However, many say he left a great legacy behind.

“He liked everybody," said Jord Artez. "He was a holy man. Everybody will miss him.”

Valley residents tell us the late pope's love for unity and charity are how his legacy will be remembered with church goers applauding his stance on issues like gay rights and immigration.

“He focused a lot on the poor and he spoke on a lot of topics that you are not suppose to talk about and that is very good," said Isabella Bucardo. "He also brought a lot of people together and started more conversation on things that people do not like to speak about.”

In Brownsville, many went to mass early to honor him with some believing he might one day become a saint.

"He is going to have a very positive impact and legacy because he was a man of great charity, and I believe that, like John Paul II, he is on the path to sainthood, because he was an excellent pope," said Amelia Torres. "Very charismatic, but also very firm in the decisions that god our lord transmitted to him through the holy spirit."

Others hope his death is not in vain and it has a bigger meaning for both believers and non-believers.

“Maybe this will make a change and open their eyes on how precious life is but we will have to wait and see," Richard Kraus said. "Man, needs a good kick on the back side."

They hope the next pope will embody Pope Francis's openness to love and unity.