One day before his death, Pope Francis made an appearance in St. Peter’s Square. Many feel that’s how he will be remembered– for his dedication to service, to the environment, and remembering the people who are on the margins of society.

Pope Francis asked for people to pray for him and he described himself, not as a world leader who led millions of Catholics, but as a sinner.

“He changed the way we thought. You only can change the world until you change hearts. I think that’s where his aim point was,” said Father Bob Longobucco, Vicar General of the Albany Catholic Diocese.

One year ago, Siena College led a pilgrimage to Italy and had a private audience with Pope Francis.

“The pope entered the room and greeted each and every one of us individually, gave us a smile and had the opportunity to greet him, and then he asked for us to pray for him, too, which was wonderful,” said Siena College President Chuck Seifert.

The pope repeatedly called for the Church to be a field hospital to help the suffering and marginalized.

“Many years ago, as a Navy chaplain, I served in a field hospital and as Pope Francis said, at a field hospital you don’t come to get your chloresterol checked. You come to have wounds healed,” said Fr. Mark Reamer, Vice President of Mission at Siena College. “And his legacy will be as a wounded healer.”

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger said the pope always spoke about the people in the margins of society.

The bishop met with Pope Francis in December. He remembers the pontiff as being frail, but still smiling and present.

“The energy I think that came from his heart and his compassion for those that were down and out seem to have radiated and even given him life as well,” said the bishop. “I think that’s what his strength was from. That’s what I remember him as.”

There will be a memorial mass for Pope Francis at 5pm on Sunday, April 27 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany.