Worshippers on their way to Mass learned the pontiff had died following a two-month illness, and were asked to keep him in their prayers.
Some of the faithful speculated the aging head of the Catholic Church had held on until Easter Monday — one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar.
Father Gary Donegan of Holy Cross in Ardoyne spoke of Francis’ humble nature.
He said: “It was something we were expecting. With him bestowing a blessing on people last night, it was like he was planning his own death.
“When he was sworn in as pope, someone brought him the vestments, and he joked: ‘If you want, you can wear them’.
Pope Francis Dies at 88, Vatican Announces
“When he came out to greet the people, he said: ‘Pray for me’.
“It was the most simple beginning to a most wonderful papacy... going on the buses with the cardinals in their red, he wore his simple white.
“At this moment in the whole world, with the lack of statesmanship in leaders, he was a beacon. He was so compassionate — he was all-encompassing.”
St Mary’s Church in Belfast after the death of Pope Francis on the 21st April 2025 (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph)
In churches across the city Catholics offered their prayers, lighting candles in memory of the Argentinian pontiff.
The faithful came and went at Clonard Monastery, among them Martin White.
He said: “I was surprised (at his death), because I did see him on TV on Easter Sunday.
“What I am doing at the minute is praying a Divine Mercy. It starts on Good Friday and ends on Saturday this week.
“I heard about his passing this morning, so I decided to come up here for an extra half-hour to pray.
“He was very good, he was always for the poor.
“The day he started his new job, he went to his residence, but he said ‘no’, he wanted something small.
“He didn’t dress up in fancy clothes, he didn’t drive a fancy car, he was for the people.”
Martin White outside Clonard Monastery
Also at Clonard Monastery was John, who didn’t wish to give his surname.
He said: “He was giving blessings on Easter Sunday, and he passed away 24 hours later.
“It shows how much his faith meant to him, and how much it meant to the people to see him out and about.”