PORT MACQUARIE’S Catholic community is mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away suddenly following a heart attack at the age of 88.

A Mass was held on Tuesday, 22 April, at St Agnes’ Catholic Church and was led by Parish Priest Father Paul Gooley and Assistant Priest Father Prodencio.

Father Gooley told News Of The Area that parishioners who wouldn’t normally attend Mass on the Tuesday after Easter, came to pay their respects to the Pope.

Fr Gooley said the Pope’s death brought sadness, despite his recent illnesses.

“It’s not unexpected, but still, any news of a loss is sad,” he said.

“There’s sadness and grief and a whole mix of emotions.”

When asked about his legacy, Fr Gooley said Pope Francis was deeply pastoral in the 13 years of his papacy.

“He was always caring of people; always wanting to help them.

“His famous comment was, for example, that ‘we should smell like the sheep’.

“So, always wanting us to be closer to the people [and] trying to help with their needs [whatever] situations they might find themselves in.

“He was always oriented towards what’s best for people and the planet.”

St Agnes’ parishioner Kathy-Ann Henderson described the news as “quite a blow.”

Hours earlier, images of the Pope greeting crowds were broadcast so she had taken it as a sign he was recovering.

To hear less than 24-hours later that he had died, left her devastated.

Ms Henderson said Pope Francis stood for people of all denominations.

“He brought to light a lot of issues that a lot of people, not just Catholics, are interested in.”

A statement issued by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, noted that Pope Francis’ time as the head of the Catholic Church was not without controversy.

“His constant call that the Church should be open to everybody caused some to fear that he was putting at risk the integrity of the Church’s faith and moral teaching,” Archbishop Timothy Costelloe said.

Ms Henderson considers that a positive.

“He was a wonderful shepherd for the people, and what I love is that he wasn’t just for Catholics.

“I personally know a lot of people who are not Catholic who loved him and loved what he stood for, and considered him almost their head as well.”

Like Rome, churches on the Mid North Coast will hold special prayers and reflections in the coming days as part of the official nine-days of mourning.

By Sis HIGGINS