News of the death of Pope Francis came as a surprise to many, despite the pontiff’s recent health troubles.

In Bend, clergy at St. Francis of Assisi Church remembered Francis as a humble and compassionate leader, who set an example for others to follow.

Francis died Monday at the age of 88, one day after addressing crowds at the Vatican on Easter Sunday.

“On Easter, yesterday, he was there giving a blessing to the people and to the world,” said Father Jose Thomas Mudakodiyil, who has led the congregation in Bend for nearly a decade. “So it was shocking this morning when I got up to find out that the Pope had passed.”

Pope Francis and the Bend church are both named for St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most venerated figures in Christianity, who lived a life of poverty and cared for the poor.

Sister Ignacia Carrillo described Francis as “the people’s Pope,” bringing warmth, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the poor and the marginalized.

“He welcomed everyone,” she said, “and made every effort to remind us that we’re one family, and we are to love one another, as Jesus would have wanted us and wants us to.”

Mudakodiyil was in Francis’ presence twice in St. Peter’s Square, once during a general audience, and once during morning prayer.

Though they never spoke, Mudakodiyil said those experiences will last him a life time.

“It was very humbling to be there,” he said.

Parishioners at St. Francis of Assisi responded with a quiet grief.

“People are feeling a bit emotional about him,” Mudakodiyil said. “A lot of people send me text messages saying how they love the Pope… We will definitely miss him as a Pope of the people.”

Carrillo and Mudakodiyil said Francis’ legacy isn’t what changes he made within the church, but in the way he encouraged everyone — Catholics and non-Catholics alike —- to live in peace with one another.

“He was a leader who served other people,” Mudakodiyil said. “His papacy invites us to serve others who are in need and to reach out to the poor, those marginalized. And at the same time, he was faithful to the teachings of the Gospel.”