Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke and heart failure the Vatican announced. Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and the first Jesuit to assume the papacy, Francis was known for his humility, dedication, and love for the Catholic church.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.” said Kevin Farrell. Farrell, a Cardinal, was the person who announced the passing of  the pope.

 “At that moment, my world stopped. I felt utterly helpless and hopeless.” said Sister Genevieve Jeanningros, a long time friend of Francis

In 1976 they both met due to Genevieve’s aunt being killed under the harsh Argentinian dictatorships, Genevieve flew to Buenos Aires to France for the funeral and Francis was a bishop and they became friends. In 2005 she was invited by Francis to a mass at the Vatican, after that they would write letters to each other, talking about themselves and the church. Genevieve said that Francis was the kindest man alive and she will miss him a lot.

Although that was one experience, she is not alone grieving . As thousands stand outside the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the pope will be buried at his own request.

“He didn’t rule from a throne. He led by example,” Rev. Thomas Okoye, a Nigerian priest in Rome.  “He challenged wealth, he challenged indifference, and he challenged the Church to look outward. We may never see another pope quite like him.”Francis’s papacy began in 2013 and spanned more than a decade of global political and spiritual change.

In regards to his wishes, Pope Francis’s funeral will be simple.  Just a wooden casket and a burial in one of his favorite churches, reflecting the humility that defined his life. As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, there is uncertainty about what comes next.