Photo: Jim MacKay/WBZ NewsRadio
BRAINTREE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is among the elected officials expressing their condolences and sympathies following the death of Pope Francis.
Her statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis:
“I join with my fellow Catholics and people around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His essence of compassion, humility and unbounded hope gave us joy, peace, direction and resolve. I am forever grateful for the honor to have met Pope Francis and been touched by his warmth, kindness and humor. His life was a commitment to our sacred responsibility to care for others, especially the most vulnerable among us. In no other realm was that more evident than his dedication to climate, human rights, immigrant communities and the working poor. He strove to make the Church more inclusive and welcoming, and he led by reminding us of the dignity and worth of every person. His being will endure in the hearts of those he inspired. May he rest in eternal peace.”
Meanwhile, parishioners attending mass at St. Francis of Assisi in Braintree Monday morning were expressing shock and sadness at the death of Pope Francis.
The Vatican announced his death at the age of 88 just hours after the pope greeted thousands of people in St. Peter's Square while riding in his open-air popemobile.
The pope chose the name "Francis" in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor, peace, and the environment.
After his election March 13, 2013, Pope Francis said he chose that name because of his concern for the poor.
At St. Francis church in Braintree on Monday morning, Donna said the pope's legacy will extend well beyond the Catholic faith. "He was just so generous," she said. "I think that even if you weren't Catholic, that you just love this man."
Another parishioner expressed relief that the pope died peacefully. "Our prayers are with him, and we know that he died peacefully, and we know that he will be in heaven."
The Vatican said Pope Francis died of a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and heart failure.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.