South Mississippi Catholics mourn the loss of Pope Francis

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) – On Monday at 7:35 AM, Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to irreversible heart failure. 

Pope Francis is history’s first Latin American pontiff and was 88 at the time of his death.

Over 12,000 Catholics reside in Mississippi, and the community is mourning his passing and reflecting on his impact. What sets Pope Francis apart is his leadership style and inclusivity. 

The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is to celebrate a memorial mass for Pope Francis on Tuesday at 10:30 am. All are invited, and the mass will be livestreamed on YouTube.