OWENSBORO, Ky. — The world is mourning the death of Pope Francis , who died one day after Easter Sunday.

He once blessed all Kentucky law enforcement officers, which a Kentucky State Trooper got to witness firsthand when he met Francis.

As a devout Catholic, Trooper Corey King said he was saddened to hear about the passing of Francis, even if it wasn’t totally unexpected.

“Many of us knew it was coming, of course," King said. "All Catholics knew the condition of his health. But it’s also sacred to know his last mass was Easter Sunday."

It means even a little more to King, who got to meet Francis when he was invited by his friend Fr. Jim Sichko on a trip to the Vatican during Police Memorial Week.

“I thought, what a great opportunity to wear my uniform, represent the Commonwealth of

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