Elected officers from throughout Massachusetts mourned the demise of Pope Francis, an Argentine who native politicians celebrated as a “force for good” and somebody who introduced a “unique” perspective to the papacy.
Francis, 88, suffered from continual lung illness and had a part of one lung eliminated as a younger man. He was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory disaster that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
Gov. Maura Healey, a Catholic who had a non-public viewers with the pope final 12 months, mentioned Francis’ “essence of compassion, humility and unbounded hope gave us joy, peace, direction and resolve.”
“I am forever grateful for the honor to have met Pope Francis and been touched by his warmth, kindness, and humor. His life was a commitment to our sacred responsibility to care for others, especially the most vulnerable among us,” Healey mentioned.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren mentioned Francis can be remembered for his empathy for essentially the most weak individuals, his motion on local weather change, and his efforts to make the Catholic Church “a welcoming place for all.”
“My heart is with people across the world today mourning his loss,” Warren mentioned in a press release.
U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan mentioned Francis introduced a “unique and powerful perspective to the papacy – one grounded in empathy for the marginalized and a deep understanding of the struggles facing ordinary people.”
“Whether advocating for the most vulnerable, calling on global leaders to act on climate change, or urging the Church to be a more welcoming place for all, Pope Francis led with a spirit of love and service. His legacy will endure in the countless lives he uplifted and the hope he brought to those who have too often felt unseen,” Trahan mentioned in a press release.
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal mentioned Francis turned one of the consequential leaders “of our time, serving as a pope for all people.”
“His humanitarian work was awe-inspiring, dating back many decades when he served the most vulnerable across Argentina, never faltering in his mission of serving the poor. Pope Francis strove to make the Church a beacon of mercy, unity, and service, reminding us that earth and all of its people are made in God’s image,” Neal mentioned.
U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark mentioned Francis was “beloved as the People’s Pope.”
“His legacy of humility, courage, and compassionate leadership will continue to inspire generations to come,” Clark mentioned on social media.
U.S. Rep. Invoice Keating mentioned Francis, via his deeds, “was to Catholics and non-Catholics alike a humble yet blinding beacon of love and humanity.”
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey mentioned Francis “reminded us that no matter our faith, we are all caretakers of creation.”
“His legacy of compassion, inclusion, stewardship, and justice will continue to be a roadmap for our world,” Markey mentioned in a press release.
Francis’ demise was introduced Monday morning in Rome.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell mentioned from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, the place Francis lived.
Supplies from the Related Press have been used on this report.
