The recent passing of Pope Francis on Monday at the age of 88 has brought a wave of mourning across New England, with leaders offering their condolences and reflecting on the impact of his leadership. Boston Archbishop Richard Henning, reacting to the pontiff's death, said, "I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Pope Francis. His legacy as Holy Father is broad and deep," according to a statement obtained by NBC Boston. Henning praised Francis for continually urging people towards "deeper faith" and a "more generous participation in the boundless compassion of God."
Catholic Charities Boston honored the late pope as "an extraordinary leader of the Catholic Church and a guiding light of hope for millions across the globe." In a statement reported by NBC Boston, they highlighted his commitment to serving "vulnerable children and the elderly, families struggling to overcome poverty, refugees and immigrants seeking safer, more stable futures." The organization also recalled Pope Francis's recent message urging Catholics to "not give into narratives that discriminate and cause unnecessary suffering to our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters."
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey joined in the outpouring of respect, saying Pope Francis' "essence of compassion, humility and unbounded hope gave us joy, peace, direction and resolve," per her social media statement captured by NBC Boston. Other politicians, including Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, echoed these sentiments, highlighting his empathy and advocacy for action on climate change and inclusivity within the church.
The pope's legacy went beyond spiritual leadership, extending to concrete reforms within and outside the church. Michele Dillon, a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire, emphasized Francis's impact on the church's approach to social welfare and structural reforms. Per The Boston Globe, Dillon noted, "He was very critical of all the ways contemporary culture and society celebrates utilitarianism and excludes people and groups on the margins." Meanwhile, despite Pope Francis' advances, Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of clerical abuse watchdog group Bishop Accountability, pointed out gaps in his handling of sexual abuse within the church, saying, "He was a beacon of hope to the world's most marginalized people, but what we most needed from him was justice for the church's own wounded," as reported by The Boston Globe.
In a profound gesture of remembrance, Archbishop Henning has asked pastors in the Archdiocese to toll their bells on Monday at 3 p.m. for 15 minutes, resonating with sentiment across the globe as individuals from various walks of life reflect on the teachings and convictions that Pope Francis championed throughout his papacy. This moment of honor signifies a shared pause, a collective breath taken by the faithful and admirers alike, as reported by The Boston Globe.
