Louisiana leaders mourn death of Pope Francis, remember his worldwide impact

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana’s political and religious leaders mourned after Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died Monday at the age of 88.

His last appearance was on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square before meeting with Vice President JD Vance. Francis recently spent 38 days in the hospital after being admitted on Feb. 14 for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia, the longest hospitalization of his papacy.

Worldwide, tributes to Francis poured in on Monday

after his death was announced. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” Vance wrote on X that his “heart goes out” to the millions of Christians who loved him.

Diocese of Baton Rouge Bishop Michael G. Duca issued a statement, saying the diocese is “deeply saddened” by Francis’s death. “He had so many outstanding qualities, but his care for the poor, the indigent, the prisoner and the migrant were hallmarks of his service as Holy Father. He was a Good Shepherd to all and a sterling example of the Christ-like virtues of faith, hope and charity,” Duca said.

The Archdiocese of New Orleans said, “Eternal rest grant onto our Holy Father Pope Francis, oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May angels lead him to paradise and may he rest in peace.”

The Diocese of Lafayette’s statement remembers Francis’ teachings of mercy and his calls for nations to resolve differences with peace in a Facebook post. “He also called us to be good stewards of creation and to see in the beauty of creation the hand of God, the creator of our common home,” the diocese wrote.

Louisiana leaders react to Francis’ death

Gov. Jeff Landry (R-La.) posted on X, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis. Sharon and I join Christians around the world in praying for him and the Church during this time.”

US House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said he was “deeply saddened” by the pope’s death, writing on X, “As the first pope to be elected from the Americas, he continued the Papal tradition of spreading the message of Jesus’ love around the world. May God be with the Catholic Church during this time of mourning and transition.”

US Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said his thoughts are with the Catholic church and faith community. “Pope Francis taught that the face of God is mercy. He preached Christ’s mercy through his care for the poor, marginalized, and unwanted, not only through his words,” he posted on X.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-La.) said it was an honor to meet Francis in 2023 during a Vatican visit. “I held great respect for the faith and humility he exhibited in his daily walk. May he rest in eternal peace,” she wrote on X.

Congressman Troy Carter (D-La.) said Francis will be missed and remembered as a “living example of Christ’s love in action.” He said, “As a U.S. Congressman representing Louisiana—a state steeped in Catholic tradition—I have seen firsthand the depth of love and respect our community holds for this extraordinary Pontiff. He challenged us to care more, to judge less, and to walk humbly with our God.”

Former Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.) recalled his meeting with Francis at the Vatican as he mourns the pope, describing it as “awing” to meet him.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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