At 9:45 AM on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Jorge Mario Bergoglio has died at 88 (1936–2025).
Leaving on an Easter Monday, after his speech in Rome yesterday. He wanted to do his Goodbye discreetly by the big door of his balcony.
On the passing of Pope Francis:
President Donald J. Trump orders flags be flown at half-staff in memory of His Holiness Pope Francis. Here is the proclamation: As a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus joins in mourning Pope Francis, whose message of hope for all will endure: “Pope Francis set the example of delivering humanity where other brought dark ambition to the table. We will remember his courage to buck global ideological trends that seek to separate and oppress the most vulnerable”.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) released the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis: “I join the world in mourning the sad news of Pope Francis’ passing. Pope Francis’ message of hope inspired people around the world – people of all faiths. His compassion and love for the less fortunate was felt in every corner. His papacy will be remembered as a beacon of light and hope against the darkness. My prayers are with the billions of people today who are mourning his loss.”
U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis: “Pope Francis has been an inspiring faith leader whose transformative papacy has shown the Spirit of Christ through his humility, his open-hearted engagement with the world, his tireless advocacy for peace, and his focus on the poor and the marginalized. I had the blessing of meeting the Holy Father twice, and was inspired by his teachings. I was struck by both his words and his actions when he visited the United States to address Congress in 2015. He called on us to overcome our partisan political differences to work together in service of the poor and the planet, and while in the U.S., he spent time meeting with migrants, the homeless, and the imprisoned to show us how to live out Christ’s teachings.
“Pope Francis often reminded us that “we are all in the same boat” – that no one can thrive and live well without the support of others. His ministry was infused with mercy, grace, and love, and particularly in times of strife, he reminded us that through acts of unrestricted kindness we can overcome any storm, any moment of challenge, together.
“The church and the world will miss his welcoming leadership and his engagement on questions of justice, climate change, migration, income inequality, and reconciliation. I join with many around the world in gratitude for his ministry and in praying for his eternal rest.”
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer released the followed statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis: “Delaware mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis — a revolutionary spiritual leader whose grace, humility, and unwavering compassion transformed lives and inspired hearts across the globe.
“Pope Francis was a champion for the poor, the displaced, the sick, and the forgotten. He spoke truth to power, reminded the world that faith must be rooted in justice, and called on us all to care more deeply for one another. His leadership extended far beyond the Catholic Church, inspiring people of all faiths and backgrounds.
“Throughout his service, Pope Francis led with empathy and moral clarity. He brought ancient institutions into dialogue with modern challenges — from climate change to economic inequality to the dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals. He met with refugees, washed the feet of prisoners, and embraced those pushed to the margins of society. Like Jesus of Nazareth, he walked with those deemed irredeemable and reminded us all that mercy is greater than judgment.
“As a leader, Pope Francis built a more compassionate and just world. He leaves behind a legacy of hope, humility, and courage — along with a moral compass for future generations.
“On behalf of the people of Delaware, I extend my deepest condolences to the global Catholic community. May His Holiness Pope Francis rest in peace, and may his example continue to guide us toward a more just and loving world.”
Wilmington Mayor John Carney today issued a statement regarding the passing of Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church: “Tracey and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Pope Francis, a truly transformative leader whose humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to humanity touched millions across the world. He was not just a religious figure; he was a global moral compass in times of uncertainty and division.
Pope Francis, a Jesuit, a practitioner of the vow of poverty chose to live simply opting for a modest apartment instead of the traditional papal palace. He was deeply pastoral and attentive to the struggles of ordinary believers, recognizing the humanity of the issues they encountered in their daily lives. He lived a life dedicated to prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable populations and stood as a consistent reminder that the church must be a place of shelter and refuge – not of judgement.
Pope Francis rightfully earned the title “The People’s Pope” and reminded people, regardless of belief, the power of kindness, humility, and grace. As Pope he championed rights for marginalized communities, advocated for care of our planet, and did not shy away from addressing issues of inclusivity further broadening the church’s role in social and economic justice issues.
Pope Francis will be deeply missed, not only by Catholics but people of all faiths and backgrounds who are moved by his example.
It was a special privilege for me, during my time as a member of Congress, to hear Pope Francis speak on his visit to Washington D.C. with President Obama. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity especially for my mother, a devout and practicing Catholic, to witness that historic moment.
We join the millions around the globe in mourning the loss of a true servant leader, a champion and the leader of our faith.”
“Pope Francis both encouraged and challenged Catholics in various ways,” Ignatius Press President Mark Brumley observed, “especially with his emphasis on divine mercy. We pray for the repose of his soul and for the people of the Church to learn from the lessons of his papacy.”
“Pope Francis’ emphasis on ‘people on the periphery,’ especially poor people, immigrants, and others variously marginalized, is fundamental Christianity. In this way, he helped remind us of what being a follower of Jesus means,” Brumley noted.
Pope Francis encouraged priests to “smell like the sheep”—to be among people in their tragedies, joys, suffering, sin, and experiences of forgiveness. He also consistently upheld the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death, which included a staunch opposition to abortion, which he often characterized as akin to hiring a “hitman”, while expressing solidarity with women in difficult situations. He also forcefully opposed euthanasia and other expressions of a “throw away” culture. He stressed that family is founded on marriage as the union of a man and a woman, and he strongly criticized gender ideology, while encouraging compassion for all people.Francis famously affirmed our shared stewardship of the Earth as mankind’s common home. Other popes, notably Pope Benedict XVI, also stressed that theme, but Francis raised the discussion to a new level by issuing an encyclical and an apostolic letter on the subject. He also accentuated human fraternity while promoting the essential mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world.“Pope Francis often called for greater dialogue within the Church as well as outside it,” Brumley said. “He frequently referred to parrhesia—direct, frank engagement. Catholics who disagreed with certain of his pastoral actions or decisions responded accordingly, sometimes respectfully and sometimes not. All Catholics should now unite in praying for Pope Francis, for the College of Cardinals, and for the next pope.”
Rabbi Michael Beals issued the following statement on behalf of the Delaware Governor’s Interfaith Council:
The Delaware Interfaith Council joins people of faith around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His Holiness was a global leader whose message of compassion, interfaith dialogue, and social justice resonated far beyond the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis’s dedication to serving the marginalized, his advocacy for environmental stewardship, and his commitment to building bridges between different religious traditions have left an indelible mark on our world. His emphasis on humility and his call for a Church that embraces all people have inspired many to work towards a more just and peaceful society.
We recognize the profound impact Pope Francis had on the lives of countless individuals, and we offer our sincere condolences to the Catholic community and all those who are grieving his loss. May his legacy of peace, understanding, and service continue to inspire us all.
In this time of mourning, we also hold in our hearts the members of the Catholic community within the state of Delaware. May they find comfort and strength in their faith, and in the support of their communities.
We pray that the spirit of interfaith harmony, which Pope Francis so strongly promoted, will continue to grow and flourish.
