Indianapolis Archbishop comments on death of Pope Francis

INDIANAPOLIS — The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is commenting after the death of Pope Francis on Monday.

According to reports from The Associated Press, Pope Francis died at the age of 88 and made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday. He was the first Latin American pontiff.

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, the seventh archbishop of Indianapolis, was appointed by Pope Francis in June 2017. In a statement about Pope Francis’ death, Thompson said that he was a “good and faithful servant.”

“Pope Francis was, in his own words, ‘a man of the Church.’ In his many years as a Jesuit priest, a bishop in his native Argentina, and as the Bishop of Rome, the successor of St. Peter, he was filled with holiness, missionary zeal and confidence in the presence of the Holy Spirit,” Thompson said. “As a pastor, Pope Francis was committed to leading our Church in a synodal way, urging all pastors to accompany their flocks—especially the poor and marginalized—as we minister to a world in desperate need of Christ’s peace and love.

“Pope Francis had an unwavering passion and devotion to the faith, to the Church and to the people of God everywhere,” Thompson continued. “He was a good and faithful servant, a loyal son of the Church. May he rest in eternal peace, gazing on the face of God. ”

Other officials from around the country have also commented on the death of Pope Francis. President Donald Trump provided the following statement on social media surrounding the death:

“Rest in Peace Pope Francis,” the statement read. “May God bless him and all who loved him.”

Former President Joe Biden also shared his condolences, stating that Pope Francis was “a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths.”

“He made all feel welcome and seen by the church,” Biden said.

According to previous reports, Pope Francis used his final message to the public to call for peace in Ukraine and in Gaza. Pope Francis is likely to be buried in the next week.

Other reactions

Many Indiana officials took to social media on Monday morning to offer condolences after the death of Pope Francis.

Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith said in a statement on social media that “Hoosier Catholics are united in grief” on Monday.

“(Pope Francis’) humble leadership and unwavering commitment to serving the poor and the marginalized resonated deeply with so many of us—from the busy streets of Indianapolis to our quiet, close-knit small towns,” Beckwith said. “Today, we remember a pontiff who lived the Gospel with sincerity and love, inspiring us to pursue lives of compassion and service just as he did. Let us join together in prayer, cherishing his legacy and asking for God’s comfort during this poignant time.”

U.S. Senator Jim Banks, R-Ind. also said on social media:

“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. My thoughts and prayers go out to Catholics who are mourning the passing of their spiritual leader.”

U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Ind. District 8 said in a statement on social media that he is one of the members of the Catholic Church mourning on Monday.

“As leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis touched the lives and souls of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, including mine,” Messmer said. “Join me in praying for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul.”

In a social media statement from U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind. District 3, he said:

“Rest in peace to Pope Francis. My heart goes out to all Catholics who are in mourning today after his death.”

In a social media statement from U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind. District 9, she said she was honored to have met Pope Francis.

“His life of faith and service touched millions,” she said. “May he rest in God’s eternal peace.”