The world is reacting to the death of Pope Francis.
Bishop David Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, encouraged parishioners to pray for Francis following his death.
“On the occasions I had the privilege of being in the presence of the Holy Father during visits to the Vatican, what struck me most was not just the dignity of his office, but the warmth of his heart,” Zubick wrote in a statement. “His attention to each person, his gentle spirit and his genuine kindness left a lasting impression on me and so many others.”
The first Latin American pontiff, died Monday at age 88.
Francis suffered chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed in his young adult years. He was admitted to the hospital Feb. 14 for what became double pneumonia, spending 38 days there. Francis was released from the hospital in late March and blessed thousands who flocked to St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.
Saint Vincent Basilica Parish in Unity thanked Francis for his service.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon him,” the parish wrote on social media.
King Charles of England issued a statement on the pope’s death, having just met him a few weeks ago during a state visit to Italy.
“His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others,” Charles said in a statement Monday.
“His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. May it unite people with each other and with nature. May this hope continually revive beyond him. My wife and I send our thoughts to all Catholics and to the grieving world.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent his “deepest condolences to the Christian world,” calling Pope Francis “a man of deep faith and boundless compassion, he dedicated his life to uplifting the poor and calling for peace in a troubled world.”
Francis, born Jorge Mario Begoglio, entered the papacy in March 2013 following the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
He drew mixed reactions from Catholic churchgoers for his progressive leaning, including his outreach to the LGBTQ community. Francis released a statement in 2023 permitting priests to bless same-sex couples.
Francis also was tasked with guiding the Catholic church through the covid-19 pandemic, encouraging parishioners to use the lockdown as an opportunity to unite a divided world.