By Hank Russell
Local elected officials and those within the Catholic community expressed sadness upon learning of the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.
Born Jorge Mario Bergolio on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis served as the pontiff for 12 years. When he was 21 years old, he entered the Society of Jesus, according to the Catholic News Agency. He was ordained in 1969.
In 1992, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires. He later became archbishop in 1998 and was created cardinal in 2001. On March 13, 2013, he was elected pope after his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, resigned. Pope Francis became the first South American to be elected leader of the church.
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social page. He also ordered all flags to be flown half-staff.
James Lentini, president of Molloy University, called the late pope “a leader whose unwavering commitment to compassion, justice, and human dignity has left an indelible mark on the world. … As we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, let us also celebrate his legacy by continuing to foster a community rooted in compassion, inclusion, and a relentless pursuit of truth. May his example inspire us to be voices for the voiceless, caretakers of our planet, and champions of human dignity.”
Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre remembered Pope Francis for “his unique graces and charisms and the compelling way during his Pontificate that he has been a Light of Jesus Christ and the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church to the world.”
Governor Kathy Hochul, who grew up as “a social justice Catholic” in upstate New York, recalled being invited by the Vatican to speak at the Pontifical Summit to speak about climate change and when he blessed her and her husband on their 40th wedding anniversary.
“He reminded us of our collective responsibility to protect this beautiful planet, our shared home,” Hochul said in a statement. “And he was a man of peace, and a fighter for social and economic justice.”
“Pope Francis led with humility, compassion & a deep commitment to the poor. His name, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, reflected his servant leadership,” U.S. Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point) posted on X. “As a St. Anthony’s [High School] grad, I admire the Franciscan values he embodied. RIP to a true shepherd.”
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pope Francis,” added Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue) on X. “It was an honor to have met him, and I will always remember his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others. May he rest in peace.”
Nassau County Legislature Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé (D-Freeport) called Pope Francis “the conscience of the world and a moral compass for us all,” adding. “Pope Francis made it a point to embrace all in accordance with the gospel teachings of Jesus, and the manner in which he ministered directly to the most marginalized groups in our society embodied Catholic values in a way that have shaped our world for the better.”