Northeast Louisiana will gather to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis with a Memorial Mass on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Matthew Catholic Church in Monroe, followed by fellowship in the Community Center. Father Peter Mangum, Dean of the Eastern Deanery, invites everyone to attend. Under Pope Francis’ leadership, the Church has seen renewed interest and growth—evident in Northeast Louisiana, where 325 individuals entered the Catholic Church this Easter Vigil, marking a 63% increase from last year. A Divine Mercy Holy Hour will also be held on Sunday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. All are invited to join in prayer and remembrance.

Following the death of Pope Francis, Catholics worldwide are mourning, including Father Peter Mangum of the Eastern Deanery of the Diocese of Shreveport. Despite the Pope's health struggles, Mangum said his passing was unexpected, especially since he had appeared in public the day before. Mangum praised Pope Francis for his compassion, humility, and commitment to the poor and marginalized, calling mercy the central theme of his papacy. He hopes the next Pope will carry forward Francis' legacy.