Dozens of faithful Catholics joined municipal and ecclesiastical authorities for a memorial tribute to Pope Francis on Tuesday, April 22, at the Chapala Malecón, the day after his death at the Vatican at age 88.

His passing holds special significance for the people of Chapala, as he was the first pontiff to take the name of Francis, the city’s patron saint.

The sunset ceremony took place in front of the large golden sculpture of the Virgin of Zapopan, where a stunning sawdust carpet stretched out at the foot of a portrait of the late Argentinean pope, baptized Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

Chapala Mayor Alejandro Aguirre Curiel led the event, saying, “Today we gather, with deep respect and emotion, to pay homage to a man who marked our era with his humility, simplicity, and immense love for others: His Holiness Pope Francis. He transformed not only the face of the Catholic Church, but also the way millions of people around the world relate to faith, hope, and their fellow neighbors.”

A minute of silence followed a biography of the pope, presented by Father Valentín Pérez Magalló, parish priest of Santa Cruz de la Soledad. His words highlighted the Holy Father’s human character and reflected on his religious journey, culminating in his 2013-2025 pontificate.

Archdiocese of Guadalajara Auxiliary Bishop Engelberto Polino Sánchez also spoke, recalling Francis’ 2016 visit to Mexico, where he urged the church to work in unity, without distinction, and to focus especially on caring for the world’s most marginalized people (see adjoining article on this page).

“The Pope leaves us a very important legacy of concern for the poor, a call to renew ourselves, to live with coherence, and to build peace while caring for our common home,” he said.