(Undated) — South Dakotans are remembering Pope Francis after his passing Monday at the age of 88. Senate Majority Leader John Thune shared a statement yesterday morning, praising the Pope’s faith and compassion. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds also took to social media, highlighting the Pope’s service and his “simplicity.” The Vatican says Pope Francis died of a stroke. The Pontiff was recovering from double pneumonia which caused respiratory issues and kept him hospitalized earlier this year for more than a month. Pope Francis’ funeral will be this Saturday at St. Peter’s Basilica. According to the Reverend Andrew Young of Brandon, a memorial mass for Francis locally will be taking place in the coming days at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Sioux Falls.
