During the 12 years that Pope Francis was head of the Catholic church, he spread a clear message that God loves all his children.

Members of the LGBTQ community call him a trailblazer due to his inclusivity and say he made an impact that will last forever.

Pope Francis was the first in his role to address homosexuality from a position of acceptance, calling on Catholic bishops to welcome LGBTQ people into the church.

"That kind of talk was fractured before Pope Francis," said Bishop Kevin E. Taylor of the non-denominational, Unity Church Movement.

He added that Pope Francis "became this spiritual architect for what it means to love unconditionally to the world."

"I have been an out gay clergy person in ministry for 30 years and a pastor for almost 25, and the work and the walk that Pope Francis has taken has been fundamental," said Bishop Taylor.

Pope Francis went on record multiple times stating that laws which criminalize homosexuality were unjust and stated that "Being homosexual isn't a crime." During an interview, the pope said, "Who am I to judge?" when asked about an alleged gay priest.

"It did allow for not only practicing Catholics but for Christians around the world to say thank you for being a voice in this space," said Alonzo Blalock, with Newark Pride Inc.

In 2020, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis favored legal protections for same-sex couples and in 2023, the pope called for the elimination of books that criminalized homosexuality in many countries, encouraging leaders around the world to recognize the dignity of all people.

"He said it, he meant it and if you asked him, he repeated it again. That is faith," said Bishop Taylor.

"I pray that the next pope that's selected, continues to do that work," said Blalock.

The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark will hold a Mass for the pope Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.