Catholics are gathering in D.C. and across the country on Monday to honor Pope Francis after his death at 88.
At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Northeast D.C., a crew unfurled black drapes near the doors hours after Francis’ death.
Stream NBC4 newscasts for free right here, right now.
WATCH HEREMonsignor Walter Rossi shared his sadness at Francis’ passing and spoke about how meaningful it was to see him on Easter Sunday.
“Pope Francis was a determined man, and in my mind, I think he was determined to see Easter and to be in St. Peter’s Square and to give that final blessing,” he said.
We have the news you need to know to start your day. Sign up for the First & 4Most morning newsletter — delivered to your inbox daily.
SIGN UP 
Rossi met with the pope during his visit to D.C. in 2015. He said Francis listened attentively whenever someone spoke.
'He was just so holy'
It was an emotional day at the Basilica, with some parishioners moved to tears as they paid their respects and offered prayers for the Catholic Church’s next leader.
“He died. He was just so holy. And on Easter he waited. God bless him. He’s a saint,” one mourner said through tears.
Another church member said she admired Francis’ message of compassion.
“He had such a broad vision of inclusion for the world. I think that’s what I loved most about him,” Donna Sousa said.
“I liked the way he was with the homeless and the poor. I liked his temperament. I wasn’t always together with his politics, but, you know, I mean, he’s the pope. He’s our leader. He’s the guy,” church member Steve Kemp said.
The Basilica tolled its bells 88 times on Monday to mark the 88 years of the pope’s life. A memorial Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S. It was concelebrated by Archbishop of Washington Robert McElroy, Cardinal Wilton Gregory and Cardinal Donald Wuerl. Go here for information from the Basilica on how to watch Mass online.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reflected on Francis’ lasting impact, saying he “exemplified to look out for those that are less fortunate.”
“He will be forever remembered as his sentiment that, as Catholics and as people of faith, who are we to judge? And I’ll remember him for that,” she said.
Father Aquinas Guilbeau, a university chaplain at Catholic University, said Francis wanted to make sure the church’s message included everyone.
“I think what was the driving desire behind his pontificate was really mercy. He just made mercy a constant theme of his preaching. The good news of the Gospel is good news for everyone, and he wanted to make sure that everyone had the opportunity to hear that good news, to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ – especially those on the margins of society who might not, for whatever reason, hear that message regularly,” he said.
Promoting unity and cooperation between the Catholic church and other religious organizations was among Francis’ top priorities.
“He will always advocate for human dignity, human respect,” said Mario J. Paredes of SOMOS Community Care.
When Jocelyn Aquino was 12, she was among a handful of students who got the opportunity to meet Francis during his 2015 visit to D.C. She called their encounter “such an honor” and said it changed the course of her life.
D.C. police chaplain Monsignor Salvatore Criscuolo told News4 he was honored to be able to speak with the pope in 2015.
“It was truly, truly a once-in-a-lifetime for me and for the parishioners who were there that day,” he said. “[…] He brought so many people together and realized we're all God's children.”
It’s a message that lives on through church members who have followed the pope’s preachings for the past 12 years.
“He reminded us all in the core humanity of what makes us one, one family,” church member Mateo Lieb said.
The message of unity resonates as people worldwide gather in grief.
