Pope Francis died early Monday morning, prompting sadness and grief aross the world.The 88-year-old, who had served since 2013, suffered a stroke and heart failure. He had also been dealing with chronic lung problems..Political leaders from Massachusetts have shared their thoughts, memories, and prayers in response to his death. Here’s how some of them reacted. 1. Governor Maura Healey (via X (Twitter))I join with my fellow Catholics and people around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His 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. 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. His being will endure in the hearts of those he inspired. May he rest in eternal peace. 2. U.S. Representative Richard Neal (D-Springfield) (via X (Twitter))Over the last twelve years, Pope Francis has become one of the most 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. I join millions of people around the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, a leader and teacher whose moral clarity and boundless compassion will live on in the hearts and actions of those he touched. 3. U.S. Representative Katherine Clark (D-Revere) (via X (Twitter))I join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. Beloved as the People’s Pope, his legacy of humility, courage, and compassionate leadership will continue to inspire generations to come. 4. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (via X (Twitter))Today, Boston honors the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of His Holiness Pope Francis — spiritual leader, global advocate for the poor and marginalized, and a moral force in the fight for climate justice. 5. Plymouth County Commissioner Jared Valanzola (via Facebook)God bless His Holiness Pope Francis. There’s comfort in knowing he was with us for Easter — his final act of love and service to God before going home to his reward.I pray for the repose of his soul, and for the Cardinals soon tasked with choosing the next faithful leader of our church. 6. U.S. Representative Bill Keating (D-Bourne) (via Facebook)Pope Francis took the name of Saint Francis of Assisi who said, “All the darkness of the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”Pope Francis -- through his deeds, not merely his words -- was to Catholics and non-Catholics alike a humble yet blinding beacon of love and humanity. 7. U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) (via X (Twitter))I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. His Holiness led with courage and compassion — and he understood that faith is about more than words, it’s about action. He didn’t just talk about feeding the hungry — he fed the hungry. He didn’t just denounce oppression — he fought for justice. He defended the dignity of immigrants and worked to end war and bring about peace. And in doing so, he taught people of all faiths how to live with integrity and purpose. For me, Pope Francis has been a source of hope and inspiration in difficult times. I hope his successor carries forward his vision of a Church that puts faith into action and leads with humility and service by caring for the most vulnerable among us.8. U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Malden) (via X (Twitter))I join the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, the people’s Pope, who 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. 9. Taunton City Councilor Larry Quintal (via Facebook)God bless his holiness Pope Francis. May he rest in eternal peace. 10. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Cambridge) (via her office)Pope Francis was a force for good. He will be remembered for his empathy for the most vulnerable among us, his advocacy for action on climate change, and his leadership to make the Church a welcoming place for all — which made so many people feel seen. My heart is with people across the world today mourning his loss.
Pope Francis died early Monday morning, prompting sadness and grief aross the world.The 88-year-old, who had served since 2013, suffered a stroke and heart failure. He had also been dealing with chronic lung problems..Political leaders from Massachusetts have shared their thoughts, memories, and prayers in response to his death. Here’s how some of them reacted. 1. Governor Maura Healey (via X (Twitter))I join with my fellow Catholics and people around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His 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. 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. His being will endure in the hearts of those he inspired. May he rest in eternal peace. 2. U.S. Representative Richard Neal (D-Springfield) (via X (Twitter))Over the last twelve years, Pope Francis has become one of the most 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. I join millions of people around the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, a leader and teacher whose moral clarity and boundless compassion will live on in the hearts and actions of those he touched. 3. U.S. Representative Katherine Clark (D-Revere) (via X (Twitter))I join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. Beloved as the People’s Pope, his legacy of humility, courage, and compassionate leadership will continue to inspire generations to come. 4. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (via X (Twitter))Today, Boston honors the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of His Holiness Pope Francis — spiritual leader, global advocate for the poor and marginalized, and a moral force in the fight for climate justice. 5. Plymouth County Commissioner Jared Valanzola (via Facebook)God bless His Holiness Pope Francis. There’s comfort in knowing he was with us for Easter — his final act of love and service to God before going home to his reward.I pray for the repose of his soul, and for the Cardinals soon tasked with choosing the next faithful leader of our church. 6. U.S. Representative Bill Keating (D-Bourne) (via Facebook)Pope Francis took the name of Saint Francis of Assisi who said, “All the darkness of the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.”Pope Francis -- through his deeds, not merely his words -- was to Catholics and non-Catholics alike a humble yet blinding beacon of love and humanity. 7. U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) (via X (Twitter))I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. His Holiness led with courage and compassion — and he understood that faith is about more than words, it’s about action. He didn’t just talk about feeding the hungry — he fed the hungry. He didn’t just denounce oppression — he fought for justice. He defended the dignity of immigrants and worked to end war and bring about peace. And in doing so, he taught people of all faiths how to live with integrity and purpose. For me, Pope Francis has been a source of hope and inspiration in difficult times. I hope his successor carries forward his vision of a Church that puts faith into action and leads with humility and service by caring for the most vulnerable among us.8. U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Malden) (via X (Twitter))I join the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, the people’s Pope, who 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. 9. Taunton City Councilor Larry Quintal (via Facebook)God bless his holiness Pope Francis. May he rest in eternal peace. 10. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Cambridge) (via her office)Pope Francis was a force for good. He will be remembered for his empathy for the most vulnerable among us, his advocacy for action on climate change, and his leadership to make the Church a welcoming place for all — which made so many people feel seen. My heart is with people across the world today mourning his loss.
