Local leaders react to Pope Francis' passing
'At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,″ Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in an announcement.
Local leaders are offering their condolences and remembering the legacy he leaves behind.
The Diocese of Youngstown provided this statement to WKBN 27 First News on the Pope's passing:
The news of Pope Francis' death today is a cause of great sadness for the whole Church and certainly for me personally as a bishop chosen by him nearly five years ago. The Holy Father in word and deed brought a pastoral vision to the Church centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He reintroduced to us the vocabulary of Jesus that includes such realities as joy, love, hope, mercy, encounter, accompaniment, listening, and compassion. In this Easter Octave we behold the great mystery of our faith that climaxes in the resurrection. May Pope Francis see the face of God today.
David J. Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown
First News is speaking with the Bishop, who met Pope Francis, and will have more on his reaction this afternoon.
The Diocese will hold a special Mass on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Saint Columba Cathedral to remember Pope Francis.
The Diocese of Erie also provided this statement:
Pope Francis was a beacon of hope in troubled times, a voice for the voiceless and a tireless advocate for the dignity of every human person.
Most Reverand Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of the Diocese of Erie
Persico's full statement can be read here.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine shared a similar sentiment, citing the Pope's devotion to all people.
Fran and I are saddened by the death of Pope Francis. He was an inspiration to us and to millions around the world. His genuine love of and devotion to all people – the poor, the unborn, those without a home, those emigrating to build a better life for themselves and their families, those of all faiths, and those with no faith – was evidenced to the world from the day he was selected to serve as Pope until his last public appearance on Easter Sunday.
His work directly with the poor was a testament to his life of great humility. And, meeting with children clearly brought him great joy! It gave us the same joy watching him interact with them.
He spread the Gospel up until the very end of his life on this Earth, making a special effort to do so on Easter. Pope Francis brought hope to the world through his compassion for all.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro ordered all flags in the commonwealth to be lowered to half-staff until further notice to honor the Pope.
Ohio Congressman Michael Rulli (R), who is Catholic, extended his prayers to the Cardinals in his statement.
As a Catholic, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis early this morning. He was a man who gave his entire life to Christ and His Church, embodying the values taught in the Gospels. The Holy Father practiced what he preached, living a life of simplicity and deep compassion. I will be praying for the Cardinals as they undertake the important task of electing the next Pope.
Ohio Congressman Michael Rulli (R)
Fellow Catholic and Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Kelly (R) expressed similar feelings.
Today, I join my fellow Catholics in mourning the loss of Pope Francis. Throughout his papacy, he symbolized and championed peace and a better world for all. May we continue the Pope's mission in our daily live.
Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Kelly
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