WORCESTER, Mass. - Hours after the Vatican said Pope Francis died at 88, dozens of Catholics in Worcester gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Paul for a service with Bishop Robert McManus. 

In a statement, Bishop McManus said the beauty of the Catholic faith is like a multifaceted diamond - each Pope brings a focus on one of the facets through which Catholics can deepen appreciation of their faith and their mission. 

Upon arriving at the cathedral on Monday, Bishop McManus said he was caught off guard by the news, particularly because Pope Francis had shown signs of rebounding from his recent illness. 

"I got up early and returned a phone call from yesterday, they said Happy Easter, and by the way, sorry about the Pope," Bishop McManus said. "I was shocked, because in the past two weeks, there were so many signs that he was in good health again, you see him with the Vice President."

Bishop McManus also said in his statement that Pope Francis taught everyone to accompany their brothers and sisters, whether in 'the mainstream or on the periphery of society.'

"He was a real pastor, and the pastor likes to be around his people," Bishop McManus said. "Over the years, Pope Francis, he was will of steel and I think he was God's grace."

Pope Francis made his last appearance on Easter, blessing thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square. He also briefly met with Vice Preisdent JD Vance.