The Archbishop of San Antonio leads a Novena to honor Pope Francis every evening for nine days.
SAN ANTONIO — As the entire world mourns Pope Francis, the Archbishop of San Antonio has been holding a Novena since Monday. Every evening for nine days, parishioners have filled the pews to reflect and pray.
“The way the pope lived, how he responded to his call, to me, the Pope, I mean, gives me, peace and and some understanding that we are in God’s plan,” said Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller.
For 12 years, Pope Francis led the Catholic Church, advocating for the poor, migrant and marginalized in mind. Even in his final days, he called for peace.
“I cried because I’m going to miss his talking, the way he was with all of us, the Latin people,” said Laura Guerra. “But at the same time, I knew that Lord called him in the right moment, so I’m happy because he already is with God. He was like a human, the way he was, a different pope. That’s what the church needs right now.”
Pope Francis was laid to rest Saturday. His successor is expected to be decided in mid-May.
“We will need a pope that will address the realities of these next few years, that the Lord will allow that new Pope to to lead the Catholic Church and to be the moral voice of the world,” the Archbishop said.
Mass will be held at San Fernando Cathedral at 7 p.m. every evening until Tuesday, in honor of the Pope.