WORCESTER, Mass. - Local catholic universities are mourning the loss of Pope Francis.

Assumption University Associate Professor of Theology, Ty Monroe, said he was heartbroken and surprised by the pope's passing Monday morning.

Noting besides being sick, he had made public appearances as recently as Easter Sunday. 

Monroe said his legacy will be of someone who did his best and what he thought was right in the moment, to honor the Christian faith, and to love God and neighbor. 

“His focus was on the nearness of God, and I think that that shines through, especially in advocacy for migrants and people on the margins,” said Monroe. “Not everyone agreed with the way he intervened and or didn't intervene in every single political or geopolitical issue or event. But he certainly had his finger on the pulse of them and he was very aware of the ways in which and wrote extensively and preached extensively about the ways in which our current political, economic, social climate really impacted people on the margins, the people the most in need.   

The College of The Holy Cross and Anna Maria College are also mourning the death of Pope Francis. 

Holy Cross notes he was the first Jesuit pope and led with courage, humility, and a deep commitment to justice and mercy. 

Anna Maria said his life of faith and service inspired their catholic mission and community.