As Catholics around the globe and in Metro Detroit on Monday grieved the death of Pope Francis, Masses, rosaries and public prayer events likely will be held in the days ahead to mark the pope’s passing.

Some local Catholics were caught off guard by news of the pope’s passing early Monday morning, saying they’d been praying for him but were comforted to know he was now at peace. Others said they had faith in whoever would be called to lead the global church next.

“We’re going to miss Pope Francis,” said Judy Watta, 53, of St. Clair Shores, who attended Mass early Monday morning at Holy Innocents-Saint Barnabas Catholic Community in Roseville. “We think he was a wonderful pope.”

The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament will hold a Mass of suffrage at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit with Archbishop Edward Weisenburger as the officiant.

“My heart is heavy as our world has lost a powerful, prophetic, and loving voice. However, I also rejoice in what I pray will be a blessed reward of joy beyond all understanding for a truly great and loving Universal Shepherd,” Weisenburger said in a statement Monday morning.

The Archdiocese of Detroit’s 213 parishes will offer many traditions for the 901,640 Catholics to honor the pontiff and his life, spokesperson Holly Fournier said before the pope’s death. At many of the churches, bells will ring for every year of the Pontiff’s life.

“Some churches may place black bunting or a spray of flowers over the main entrance doors and set aside an area in the church for prayer for the repose of the soul of the Pontiff,” Fournier said. ”This area could include a photo, the Pascal Candle, a spray of flowers, a place where the faithful can kneel, a book for writing prayers and intentions, and, if possible, votive candles for lighting.”

“There is also a custom of celebrating nine days of Masses, which communicate nine days of mourning,” Fournier continued. ”This is referred to in Latin as the Novendiale. The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament plans to celebrate the Novendiale when the time comes. It is possible other parishes will choose to do the same.”

Our Lord in our world

The pope’s passing was noted solemnly across Michigan and Metro Detroit on Monday. Weisenburger recalled how the pope explained why he wished to be called Francis.

“Our Holy Father once said, ‘Some people want to know why I wished to be called Francis. For me, Francis of Assisi is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation.’ While it is impossible to measure Pope Francis’ impact on our Church and world, I believe the three aspects he referenced will be a lasting influence,” said Weisenburger.

During a mass early Monday morning at Holy Innocents-Saint Barnabas Catholic Community in Roseville, the Rev. John Wynnycky, noted the pope’s death, shocking at least one parishioner, who gasped in surprise.

During his homily, Wynnycky said Easter was one of his favorite times of year because it was when Catholics and Christians reflect on the mystery of Christ’s resurrection and how his work continues in our world.

He also mentioned the pope’s passing. “Thinking about his life and how he … was an example of the presence of our Lord in our world.”

Wynnycky said he especially recalls the pope declared in 2016 a “Holy Year of Mercy.”

“I think he looked at the world really with eyes on those who were marginalized and saw the dignity of life, the goodness of life,” he said.

The pastor called on his flock, who gathered as a family of faith, to be mindful and look with mercy on those who really need it, and for them to be examples of love and mercy.

After Mass had ended, some of the church’s parishioners said they were shocked by the pope’s death.

“We had no idea,” said Judy Watta, who was caught by surprise by Wynnycky’s announcement and she said it was sad news.

She had brought her mother, Liz Watta, 83, also of St. Clair Shores, to Holy Innocents’ Monday morning Mass. Watta said they go to Mass every day.

Mike Wallace, 63, who was speaking with the Wattas, said he took some consolation that Pope Francis passed away at Easter.

“Maybe he’s rising with Christ now,” he said.

Like the Wattas, Wallace said he also attends Mass daily. He said he was having his morning coffee when he saw the news about the pope’s death. He also got a text from a friend.

“I offered a prayer for the pope before I came here,” Wallace said. “And Fr. John dedicated the mass to his repose. That’s what we can do. Pray for his continued journey to God’s Kingdom.”

Judy Watta added: “We will continue to pray for him and pray for our next pope. We’ll pray that he’s a great pope, too. We’re trusting the living Jesus to take care of his church and take care of Pope Francis and any pope we have.”

Victoria Seggie, 66, of Roseville, said the news of Pope Francis’ death is “a sad thing.”

She said she found out early Monday when her husband told her after seeing it on the morning news.

“I’m sure God will bring into leadership whoever he’s called to faith,” she said. “I have faith.”