Young and old alike celebrated mass Monday night at Christ the King Catholic Church to remember and honor their leader, Pope John Paul II.
The entrance to the church was draped in black, and a photo of the pope was surrounded by the same black cloth near the entrance of the sanctuary. Many who attended also wore black ribbons with “PJP” written in silver lettering to honor the pontiff.
The Rev. John Carville, who presided over the mass, called Pope John Paul II “God’s gift to the church.”
Carville said the pope had many talents — such as the ability to speak at least six languages fluently— and was a poet, actor and philosopher.
 Carville called the pope “the most important figure of the second half of the 20th century.”
He said Pope John Paul II visited 129 countries and attracted thousands of people, including Catholics, Buddhists, Muslims, Communists and atheists.
“His vision led us and led the world into the new millennium,” Carville said.
Many who attended the mass said they appreciate the great things the pope has done and hope the new pope — who will be elected in the next two weeks — will continue Pope John Paul II’s legacy.
Don McClure, a teacher at a Plaquemine Parish school, said he hopes the next pope carries the vision of Pope John Paul II.
“I am here to honor a great man. One that I’m trying to emulate and learn from,” he said. “My hope is that the next pope will make the church follow in his footsteps.”
Ian Oliver, a eucharistic minister said, “I have faith that the cardinals will elect the right pope.”
Haley Pontiff, a mass communication senior, said the pope’s death made her appreciate him more.
At first, Pontiff said she was not affected by his death and did not understand why many of her peers were upset about it. But through media coverage of the pope’s life, she said she came to appreciate what he has done.
“I feel closer to him now,” Pontiff said.
Shannon Songe, a marine biology freshman, wore a black ribbon to honor the pope.
“I am wearing it out of reverence and respect for Pope John Paul II,” Songe said.
Songe said she hopes the new pope will reach out to the youth as Pope John Paul II did for many years.
The pontiff died Saturday at age 84.
He suffered from a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, and on Thursday developed a urinary track infection that caused a high fever and unstable blood pressure.
On Friday, the pope’s kidneys and cardiorespiratory system were failing, and he was drifting in and out of consciousness on Saturday — the day he died.