Catholics observe first mass following pope's death

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Parishioners packed the pews of St. Joseph Cathedral for the first Sunday mass since the death of Pope Francis. It comes at a time when the church is navigating the pope’s death while also preparing for what comes next.  

“We're in a season now where the chair of Peter is vacant,” parishioner Kelley Henderson said. “It will not be vacant long, but it's a period of remembrance and it's also, I think, a period for Catholics of reflection." 

Following the burial of Pope Francis, the nine days of mourning have begun.

“I think he'll probably be known for his more human aspect than the grandiose position that the pope often is put in,” parishioner Ed Wojewodka said.  

While they’ve never met Pope Francis personally, he has left a lasting impact on these parishioners’ lives. 

“His entire pontificate has been really focused on what he would call being close to people, reaching out to the peripheries, to the nooks and crannies of our community globally,” Henderson said. “Pope Francis really, I think, exemplified what it means to be a good neighbor.” 

Following the period of mourning, the Vatican has a new task of choosing the next pope. Parishioners said they’d be following the conclave closely. 

“Every good Catholic in the world is going to be streaming this, you know, waiting for that white smoke to come up,” Henderson said.

Once a cardinal receives two-thirds of the vote, white smoke will billow from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of the 267th pope.  

“Everybody hopes that they get somebody that they like, but it's not about somebody that you like,” Wojewodka said. “It's about somebody that can lead the church.” 

While the current seat remains empty, the Catholic community still has direction.  

“The mass hasn't changed in more than 2,000 years,” Wojewodka said.  

The cardinals will gather in Rome shortly after the period of mourning. From there, the election process typically lasts a couple of days.