Memorial Mass Honoring Pope Francis Led by Boston's Archbishop

Many individuals assembled through hymns and prayers to pay tribute to and commemorate the essence and heritage of Pope Francis Wednesday evening at a mass led by Boston Archbishop Richard Henning .

The mass at Saint Theresa of Avila in West Roxbury was one in a series of three planned in the area over the next few days. The death of Pope Francis thousands of miles away impacted hearts right here at home.

Honoring Pope Francis

"I think it's important for us as Catholics to come together to honor the Pope," said Peter Martin, who made it a point to attend the service Wednesday night. "To be in community together and pray for him. I'd love to see a pope who continued Pope Francis' attention to the poor and the disenfranchised."

Following the Pope’s passing, discussions surrounding his legacy have intensified. Members of the congregation highlighted Francis’ compassion as what remains most memorable.

"He was a man of the people," said Mike O'Connor. "A Pope of the people. It's very simple. He was a simple guy."

“Transformation,” stated Luz Lopez. “This transformation involves the church becoming more open to individuals, embracing everyone just as they are. It’s my hope that this legacy endures, with his unconventional teachings continuing on.”

Archbishop heading to Rome

Henning led the service mere hours before his planned departure to Rome for Pope Francis's funeral at the Vatican City on Saturday.

"I want to bring the people of Boston with me in my heart and their prayers," said Henning. "I do know that this is an historic moment. This Holy Father has certainly had an enormous effort on the church and on the world."

There are two more services scheduled to honor Pope Francis. One in Lowell on Thursday followed by a mass in Stoughton on Friday.