CLEVELAND — On Monday, Pope Francis passed at the age of 88.

His death was felt around the world. As the first Jesuit pope, he had a special connection with a northeast Ohio university.

“His impact will be remembered for mercy that's a word that people will associate with Pope Francis,” said Brother Matt Wooters, assistant director of Campus Ministry, John Carroll University.

Pope Francis was the first and only Jesuit pope to serve over the Catholic church, something that practicing Jesuits felt proud of.

“John Carroll is a Jesuit university, so we have a 500-year-old tradition of Jesuit education, and Pope Francis was also trained in the same tradition," said Wooters. “So we share a spirituality and a worldview that makes us feel close with Pope Francis.”

The Society of Jesus, known as Jesuits, are an order of priests, brothers, scholastics and novices. With over 14,000 members, they’re one of the largest male religious orders in the Catholic church.

Wooters said the pope led with tenderness, kindness and compassion, and that’s how people will remember him. Joe Bilas, a sophomore at JCU, said he and the pope shared topics they cared about.

“I know he's done a lot to bring the church in a more open-minded direction," said Bilas. “Seemed like he was also very social justice oriented. I'm proud to be a part of something that's like, you know, doing that and securing our future to the extent that we can, you know, make an impact in our small corner of the of the world.”

Pope Francis shared a more open view on subjects like the LGBTQ community and women in the church.

“Kind of famous quote he said, 'who am I to judge?' When asked about a gay person who wants to seek God, and I think that's emblematic of who he is as a as a pope and as a man," said Wooters.

Wooters not only has a special connection with the pope, but he also shares special memories

“I actually got to meet Pope Francis, which is really cool," said Wooters. “I had a meeting in Rome, and he surprised us. He came to the meeting, and we didn't know he was coming. It was a great surprise. I was really moved by his humbleness and his holiness and his humor, he's very funny, and he gifted each of us a rosary.”

Wooters said his passing leaves a lot of people grieving and in due time we will see what impact the next pope will have.

“Pope Francis has had an openness to other religions, working with world leaders," said Wooters. “I hope the next pope would carry this into whoever's chosen.”

John Carroll University issued a statement following the pope’s passing saying, “Gives thanks for his leadership and example as the first Jesuit pope, which will continue to inspire our commitment to faith, justice, and service for the common good.”

In March 2013 Pope Francis was the 266th pope elected. He was the first Latin American pope. He served for 12 years.