State officials and religious leaders remembered Pope Francis as someone who led with compassion and humility after the news that the leader of the Catholic Church died Monday.
The Vatican said Francis, 88, died in his apartment from a cerebral stroke that led to heart failure at 7:35 a.m.
The pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, became the first Latin American pope when he was selected in March 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned. Francis was seen as a progressive leader for the Catholic Church who had a deep concern for the poor, and for living a simple life. Francis was an advocate for inclusion in the church, providing more roles to women and becoming an ally with the LGBTQ+ community during his papacy.
State officials such as U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, reflected on Francis’ “unrivaled compassion to lead the church and how he sought to give a voice to marginalized people until his death.”
“He constantly reminded us that life is fragile,” she said. “He understood that his role was to be an important voice on behalf of both the poor and overlooked populations of the world.”
U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Westford, called Francis a “transformational leader” with moral clarity. He brought a unique perspective to the papacy, grounded in empathy for the marginalized and embodied his papal namesake by choosing St. Francis of Assisi.”
“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,” Trahan said. “His legacy will endure in the countless lives he uplifted and the hope he brought to those who have too often felt unseen.”
The Rev. Albert Tremblay of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Plaistow echoed Trahan’s sentiment that Francis lived up to his namesake, stressing his commitment to the poor and the forgotten during his 12 years as the leader of the church.
He said Francis took on the role of parish priest to the world, and it will be his legacy.
Francis was a consummate Jesuit throughout his time as pope. He was a Jesuit priest before being selected as pope. The Order of the Jesuit’s mission and training is to see God everywhere and become people for others, Tremblay added.
“He gave hope and recognition to people,” Tremblay said. “He taught the church all over again how to go out and find those people who were little and last and lost and we learned from that.”
The Rev. Robert Blaney of St. Michael’s Parish in North Andover shared the sentiment from Boston Archbishop Richard Henning of Francis’ passing.
“In his ministry and across his writings he has continuously called us to deeper faith and to a more generous participation in the boundless compassion of God,” Henning said.
“He has challenged us to turn away from selfish impulses and toward communion with others and respect for God’s creation.”
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey also remembered Francis, saying she was honored to have met Francis and was touched by his warmth and kindness.
“His life was a commitment to our sacred responsibility to care for others, especially the most vulnerable among us,” Healey said.
“In no other realm was that more evident than his dedication to climate, human rights, immigrant communities and the working poor. He strove to make the Church more inclusive and welcoming, and he led by reminding us of the dignity and worth of every person.”
Francis gave a shortened Easter Blessing on Sunday, taking breaths as he read a condensed version to the crowd outside St. Peter’s Basilica Vatican City.
“I don’t think he could have ever resisted even with doctors telling him two months of absolute rest and isolation. And I can also imagine him smiling and saying, ‘Yeah, right,’” Tremblay said about Francis’ giving his last blessing.
His final Easter message called for compassion.
“I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas!” Francis said in the blessing. “For all of us are children of God!”