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- Hundreds gathered at Salt Lake City's Cathedral of the Madeleine to mourn Pope Francis.
- Bishop Oscar A. Solis praised Pope Francis for his humility, kindness and inclusion.
- Attendees remembered Pope Francis as a humble man who spread love and hope worldwide.
SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds of people gathered at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City on Tuesday night to remember the teachings and the legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday.
"We gather tonight in prayer with millions of people around the world in loving remembrance of Pope Francis," said Bishop Oscar A. Solis, who presided and spoke at the service. "He carried the name Francis because of his love for peace and a clear vision of the church for everyone."
Pope Francis, 88, led a worldwide faith of 1.3 billion, yet Bishop Solis said he was known for his humility, kindness and inclusion to all.
"I was not surprised as part of his will and testament, he asked for a simple tomb in the ground without ornamentation," he said.
Pope Francis' final hours on Earth were spent among the people, blessing the lives of tens of thousands of individuals at the Vatican on Easter Sunday.
"Pope Francis must have known something we were not aware of, that it was his last official duty. He spent the last happy moment of his life with his flock under his care with fidelity and zeal," said Bishop Solis.
For those who attended the memorial, it was a service not to be forgotten.
"Just beautiful," said Patricia Fontaine. "All the things he's done, and all the love he's spread throughout the world."
John San Lorenzo called Pope Francis a "humble man" with "a lot of empathy."
"He gave a lot of people hope, the way he embraced those who needed it the most," San Lorenzo said.
Sofia Arriaga said the pope's intention was to "reach the people and to love them."
"He really did a lot to open the church and to start dialogs and conversations with people," said Anthony Ray.
Bishop Solis said even though this is a time of sadness, it's also a time of joy, because of the legacy Pope Francis left and that because of Christ there is hope.
"We lift our hearts thankful for God's blessing to our church and the world and the life and ministry of our Holy Father Pope Francis," he said. "He's now in heaven with his Creator and Savior."
