President Rob Vischer speaks to a group of students and faculty. The St. Thomas community was invited to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis through prayer and gratitude in the Anderson Student Center Atrium. (Kayla Osiecki/The Crest) 
A student lit a candle after a passage from Pope Francis was read. (Kayla Osiecki/The Crest) 
The crowd joined The Rev. Chris Collins in silent prayer. (Kayla Osiecki/The Crest)
Pope Francis, 88, died of a stroke Monday following his Easter Sunday address in Vatican City the day prior. The Rev. Chris Collins led a prayer service to remember the pontiff Tuesday in the Anderson Student Center.
Francis’ recent health issues began Feb. 18 when he was hospitalized and diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
“It was very sudden when I heard news of his death, and I am glad that I am attending a school that is Catholic and offers prayerful and solemn closure to commemorate a great leader and his impact to show that the church’s work continues on,” first-year Gabe Osterbauer, who attended the event, said.
Collins said that Pope Francis’ mission and values strongly impacted the university.
“His way of living, his way of expressing his faith and his words, too, have shaped our university pretty powerfully and helped to frame what it is that we are all about,” Collins said.
St. Thomas President Rob Vischer also spoke at the ceremony.
“I heard from several folks who said, ‘This hit me harder than I expected that it would,’ and I put myself in that category because he has been such a massive influence on how we view the world and how we understand the call of our faith,” Vischer said.
Vischer said that the pope represented St. Thomas’ culture of encounter, which he defined as a calling to respect and care for people of all backgrounds, not just Christians.
“All people of goodwill are called to ensure that those around us have the experience of being seen and known and loved. That comes directly from Pope Francis,” Vischer said.
The conclave to elect the next pope — in which cardinals gather to cast secret ballots — must begin within 15-20 days of the seat’s vacancy, according to the Associated Press, although the cardinals can choose for it to begin sooner.
The new pope must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected. A list of the candidates can be found here.
Francis’ funeral has been set for Saturday morning in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Giovanni Mariani can be reached at mari6061@stthomas.edu.
Anya Capistrant-Kinney can be reached at capi2087@stthomas.edu.
Kevin Lynch can be reached at lync1832@stthomas.edu.
