For Father Omar Ontiveros, a pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orem, it was a moving scene that exemplified the type of leader the pope was to the people.

“Despite his physical difficulties,” Ontiveros said, “he continued to bless and greet people, showing his deep desire to connect with the people of God.

“Pope Francis was a very pastoral pope, always close to the people. He passionately advocated for immigrants and displaced persons and promoted a more active role for women in the church, all while demonstrating a compassionate attitude.”

Ontiveros was one of many Utah faith leaders who honored Pope Francis after his death Easter Monday at the Vatican. The Argentine native and the Catholic church’s first Latin American pontiff was 88.

Pope Francis was also the religious leader to over 197,000 Catholics in Utah, who represent nearly 6% of the population, according to the Salt Lake City Catholic Diocese. The Rev. Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City called him a “true pastor” who defended the dignity of human life and strove for justice and peace during his tenure.

“We have lost our humble shepherd, but even as we mourn, we remember his remarkable contributions to our Church and the world,” Solis said in a release. “Pope Francis spoke so often of the joy of the Gospel, and he repeatedly called us to share that Good News, the universal love and mercy of God to all people, especially with those living on the margins: the migrant, the poor, the lost and the least.”

Pope Francis was the first Catholic pope to meet a prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, interacting with President Russell M. Nelson in the Vatican in 2019, prior to the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple.

“We had a most cordial, unforgettable experience with His Holiness,” Nelson told reporters after the meeting. “He was most gracious and warm and welcoming. What a sweet, wonderful man he is, and how fortunate the Catholic people are to have such a gracious, concerned, loving and capable leader.”

A release from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Monday said many lives were blessed from Pope Francis’ “courageous and compassionate leadership.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who looked to him for inspiration and counsel,” the First Presidency said. “As the world pauses to remember his example of forgiveness and service, we feel deep gratitude for the goodness of a life well lived and rejoice in the hope of a glorious resurrection made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”