After the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, early morning Monday, global and Southern California officials mourned the leader of the Catholic Church who was known for his humility and inclusive – at times controversial – views.
The late Holy Father, a member of the Jesuit order, was 88 years old.
“Pope Francis saw God in all His creatures, reminding us of humanity’s obligations towards each other and the world we live in, asking us to ‘care for one another and let us be loving custodians of creation,’” California Gov. Gavin Newsom shared in a statement.
“As we mourn His Holiness, we honor him by choosing to believe that a better world is possible through grace and kindness, and through fellowship with our neighbors, no matter our differences.”
Local officials from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), which includes Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35) among others, were “deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis, a fellow Latino who inspired millions and spoke for empathy and civility.”
“Francis set the example of delivering humanity where others 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.”
Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez prayed for the late Pope, noting that his death occurred in “the beautiful Easter season… when we celebrate our hope in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
“In this moment I find myself reflecting with gratitude on the Holy Father’s many kindnesses and expressions of pastoral care for us here in Los Angeles,” Gomez said in a statement.
Gomez recalled the Pope’s aid in appointing auxiliary bishops to help serve the massive L.A. archdiocese, offering prayers and consolation after the L.A. wildfires, and his “fraternal comfort” after the sudden death of Bishop David O’Connell in 2023.
He asked the faithful to follow the Pope’s mission of respecting life, caring for the environment, the poor, migrants, and “all forgotten on society’s ‘peripheries.’”
“In this time of mourning, my prayer is that all of us in the church will honor Pope Francis’ legacy by remembering that he called us to urgent tasks that are still not finished,” he said.
The archbishop will celebrate a noon mass honoring the Pope at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles.
In a joint statement, the three bishops from the Diocese of Orange also mourned the loss, saying Francis was a “shepherd who embodied the Gospel.”
“Like Pope Saint John Paul II, he was called to eternal life during the Octave of Easter – the Resurrection of the Lord. His most recent Encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Corde Amoris (Delixit Nos), is especially appropriate to read and reflect on at this time,” Bishop Kevin Vann said. “And throughout his papacy, his faithful witness as a Shepherd — especially in the face of physical struggles — remained a powerful example to us all.”
California’s two senators also paid their respects.
“Pope Francis walked humbly, loved mercifully and pursued justice with God — not just in word, but in deed,” said Sen. Adam Schiff. He sought to heal a world too often fractured by hate.”
Sen. Alex Padilla said that Francis “led and lived by example, with humility and compassion for all.” He was inspired by the late Pope’s efforts “to challenge traditions and reform the Catholic Church to make it more welcoming and inclusive.”
“His advocacy for migrants and for peace around the world will leave a resounding impact,” Padilla added. “May we continue to draw inspiration from his leadership to protect the world we inhabit and those most vulnerable in our society.”
Rep. Dave Min, D-Irvine, called Francis a “beacon of love, truth and empathy — values that are increasingly rare today. Pope Francis was not only a great leader, he was a moral conscience for the world.”
Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Whittier, echoed the sentiments, saying Francis’ message “of compassion, humility and care for the less fortunate resonated far beyond the church.”
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Los Angeles, also called Francis “a leader of great moral courage.”
“Whether serving the most vulnerable among us, fostering a more inclusive Church, or righting historical wrongs, Pope Francis always led with compassion, humility, and a deep commitment to faith. May he rest in peace.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.