Pope Francis Stories Shared by Indianapolis Archbishop

Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson reflects on the significance of Pope Francis' death, which occurred just one day after Easter. "He dies at the time of resurrection. He suffered with Christ. Now, he rises with Christ. Now, he lives eternally with the risen Lord who gives victory for us over sin and death," Thompson said. "Yeah, I think it's apropos. It's perfect."

Thompson will remember Pope Francis for his priorities, particularly in serving the poor, needy, missionaries, migrants, refugees, and being strong against the death penalty as it being inadmissible.

Thompson also reflects on their personal interactions, including when Francis made him Archbishop of Indianapolis in 2017. "It was very powerful," he said.

Thompson shared a photo with News 8 of Francis giving him a pallium, a vestment representing his responsibilities to fellow bishops and the church. "Throughout that liturgy I was thinking about the weight I was carrying, I was going to be carrying in this new role and I saw him [Francis] with his. Watching him during the mass. The infectious smile that he had and I thought, 'you know, if he can still be smiling carrying the weight of the world, I can wear mine in the state of Indiana,'" Thompson said.

As he prays for Pope Francis' soul, Thompson's focus will soon shift to praying for the coming conclave of cardinals. Out of 138 cardinals who will vote to elect a new pope, 111 were appointed by Francis. "We as Catholics, believe that the Holy Spirit permeates that process and kind of guides the hearts and the minds of those electors and hope so that we get, not necessarily what we want, but what we need," he said.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has announced a special mass at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral on Thursday at noon for Pope Francis.