RALEIGH, N.C. — This weekend, Catholics in the Triangle held prayer services and Monday at noon, a Mass of Honor will be held in Raleigh at Our Lady of Lourdes.

Their spiritual leader is now with them only in spirit.

Pope John Paul II reached out to Catholics of all ages -- especially the young.

His death leaves the church in mourning.

"I know that we've lost a most wonderful leader of not only the church, but the world," said Dixie Long. "He's loved by all, both Catholics and non-Catholics."

Billy Graham Remembers Pope's Warmth, Courage

Raleigh Monsignor Explains What Happens Next

Mexican Americans Remember The Pope As Adoptive Father

Funeral Home Collecting Condolences

Raleigh Bishop Joseph Gossman On Pope's Death

Monday, Raleigh Bishop Joseph Gossman will lead a Mass that will mourn the loss, but also celebrate the life of Pope John Paul.

"He told people not to cry. He wanted us to be joyful that he was now with the Lord he served so well," said Monsignor Tim O'Connor. "So I'm trying to accept that from what he's asked. From a human perspective letting go of people you love is hard and difficult. Knowing he's gone is hard to accept."