People woke to the news of the Pope’s passing this morning just hours after his surprise Easter appearance. Many of them then went to the daily mass this Easter Monday.

Stroud Township Resident Ginny Stewart says, "I saw the beautiful picture, I wanted to say goodbye to him and say Our Father, and say a couple of prayers."

Stewart is one of the many this morning drawn to Pope Francis’ photo. Saint Matthew’s Church in East Stroudsburg quickly put up the image amongst their Easter decorations after it was announced he died this morning at age 88.

Senior Priest Father Brian Clarke says, "The Lord looks upon us with great love and care, and concern at all times, even though we are broken and even though we have weaknesses, and he chooses us to be his own anyway and that is what the Holy Father has taught us so well over the last 12 years of his pontificate."

It was a morning of praying for what he was often referred to as the people’s Pope.

Stroud Township Resident Lori Long says, "He was a man of peace, he talked to a lot of people, very open, and he was always there."

While they mourn, we’re told it’s also comforting he passed during such a holy time.

Stewart says, " I think he suffered so much and now he’s in heaven and free of all that hurt."

We’re told it’ll soon be a time of transition. And Pope Francis would want the Catholic Church to have hope.

Clarke says, "The time that the Cardinals of the Church will select a new pope which is a tremendous historic moment, and a moment that needs to be filled with great prayer and reflection."

Saint Matthew’s Church is open daily and everyone is welcomed to drop by, show their respects and pray for Pope Francis in East Stroudsburg,