State and federal lawmakers react to Pope Francis’ passing
(KYMA, KECY/NBC) - Lawmakers across the country are sharing their reaction to the passing of Pope Francis.
According to the Vatican, the 88-year-old pontiff died Monday following a series of health challenges in recent years.
The White House posted their reaction to X, featuring two photos, with one showing President Donald Trump meeting the Pope while the other showed Vice President J.D. Vance meeting the pontiff Sunday. The message read, "Rest in Peace, Pope Francis."
Meanwhile, President Trump posted to his Truth Social account saying, "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him."
During the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House, the president paid tribute to the pope saying, "I just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country, all of them, all federal flags and state flags at half-mast in honor of Pope Francis."
"So he was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world, and it's an honor to do that," Trump added.
In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump said he and the First Lady will travel to Rome to be a the pope's funeral.
Here is more reaction from state and federal lawmakers reacting to Pope Francis' death:
Pope Francis’s compassion and humility was an inspiration for Christians everywhere, and he never shied away from using his voice to speak up for those in need. As a Catholic, I took that as an example to follow, and I still do. May he rest in peace.
— Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) April 21, 2025
Today I join Catholics around the world in mourning Pope Francis. He led with humility and reminded us all of the power of compassion.
— Senator Ruben Gallego (@SenRubenGallego) April 21, 2025
His commitment to inclusivity and service to those in need will leave a lasting mark on the Church.
I join Catholics across Arizona, and the world, in mourning the death of Pope Francis. He led the Church with humility and dignity, and was a voice for those who too often have none.
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) April 21, 2025
We can all learn from his message of compassion and empathy for the least among us.
Jennifer and I join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) April 21, 2025
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.” pic.twitter.com/6xeFeKu4T7
Pope Francis walked humbly, loved mercifully, and pursued justice with God – not just in word, but in deed.
— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) April 21, 2025
He sought to heal a world too often fractured by hate.
I join people around the globe in mourning his loss, and honoring his memory.
Today, I join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. As the first Jesuit and first Latin American pope, his tenure broke barriers. He defended the dignity of all people, dedicated himself to justice, and uplifted the most vulnerable and marginalized in our… pic.twitter.com/GQxwLENE9j
— Rep. Juan Vargas (@RepJuanVargas) April 21, 2025
My deepest condolences and prayers to Catholics around the world upon the death of Pope Francis, who devoted his life to God and the Church.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 21, 2025
On Easter Monday, Jeanette and I are saddened to the news of Pope Francis' passing. We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff's soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church. May He rest in peace.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 21, 2025
I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 21, 2025
I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days…
Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people. In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we… pic.twitter.com/AFI0BEotUO
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 21, 2025
It is with great sadness that Jill and I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. He was unlike any who came before him. Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him. For decades, he served… pic.twitter.com/GsE03QNoHj
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 21, 2025
It is with immense sadness that Paul and I join our fellow Catholics and people of faith around the world in mourning the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis: a beacon of charity, hope and love for all people of faith. He rekindled the faith of Catholics worldwide, with a… pic.twitter.com/Wa0MgTRB4O
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) April 21, 2025
My statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis: pic.twitter.com/DyrUknQSXc
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) April 21, 2025
Today, our prayers are with all those mourning the passing of Pope Francis. As the leader of the Catholic Church, he impacted the lives of countless people across the globe. May he rest in peace.
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) April 21, 2025
I met Pope Francis when he first came to New York, invited by Cardinal Dolan.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 21, 2025
I spent time with him over two days, and I saw in His Holiness the beauty of his soul. It shone through amazingly, powerfully.
I’ll never forget those days.
My condolences to everyone in the Catholic faith and beyond who are feeling the loss of Pope Francis today. May his memory be a blessing.
— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) April 21, 2025
Jane and I had the privilege of meeting Pope Francis in 2016.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 21, 2025
His always spoke out for the poor and disenfranchised and injected the need for morality into the global economy.
He reminded us that greed & money worship is not what human existence is about.
He will be missed.
