'A symbol of faith and social change.' Leaders in Michigan reflect on Pope Francis' death
"The world has lost a leader who gave so many of us hope. Pope Francis was widely respected for his compassion, realness, and inspiration, which made him a global figure of belief, faith, optimism, and social justice," U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, said in a statement issued Monday morning. "He had a remarkable ability to connect with people on a personal level and advocate for the marginalized, inspiring action on issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental protection. His genuine humility and open-mindedness resonated with a broad audience, making him a symbol of faith and social change."
Dingell recalled meeting Pope Francis after the pope delivered a speech to Congress in 2015.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, became Pope in 2013. When he was chosen as the 266th pope that year, he replaced Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned due to health issues.
More: What did Pope Francis mean to you? Send a letter to the editor | Letters
Pope Francis was 88 at the time of his death Easter Monday. He died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate released April 21.
Those reacting to Pope Francis' death, and his leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, said his tenure would be remembered in part for being more progressive on LGBTQ issues, climate change and the role of women in the church.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement, "Pope Francis was an inspiration to countless Michiganders and people around the world. He led with grace, compassion, and humility. He fought against poverty and called for action on climate change, economic injustice, and peace.
"He reminded us that the true measure of one's devotion to God comes in one's devotion to others. Pope Francis was a leader who called on all of us to live up to our better selves. As we celebrate his life and mourn his death, let us live by the values he believed in — love, mercy, and compassion for all.'
There are nearly 1.8 million Catholics in Michigan, according to the Michigan Catholic Conference.
U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, posted on social media he and his wife would "Join the millions of Catholics around the world mourning the loss of Pope Francis. His devotion to God, humble servitude, and compassionate leadership will be remembered for generations. May he rest in eternal peace."
President Donald Trump ordered all U.S. flags at public buildings and military installations to be flown at half-mast in remembrance of Pope Francis. Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Francis at the Vatican Sunday, one of the pope's final public meetings.
"He will be remembered for his compassion and life of service to others," U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland Township, posted on social media. "Our hearts go out to the Christians around the world who mourn this loss. May he rest in peace."
Members and advocates of the LGBTQ community in Michigan noted Pope Francis broke with centuries of tradition when he became pontiff in 2013, taking a more welcoming stance on issues of sexual orientation and religion.
"If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who am I to judge?" he said, after being asked a question about a priest being gay. "We shouldn't marginalize people for this. They must be integrated into society."
Pope Francis' response, while not being a complete embrace of the LGBTQ community, was a tangible effort to make the church more welcoming, one state lawmaker said.
State Rep. Emily Dievendorf, D-Lansing, said the remark "signaled a profound shift in how the Church might view LGBTQ+ individuals: not as problems to be solved, but as people to be embraced. That spirit carried through to his support for blessing same-sex couples (even if within narrow parameters), and his affirmation that transgender people can be baptized, serve as godparents, and stand as wedding witnesses.
"Were these declarations enough? Not quite. I do believe Pope Francis had a meaningful, if imperfect, impact on the Church's posture toward LGBTQ+ people. While his actions haven't always gone as far as many would hope, they've opened doors that previously felt permanently closed. His was a ministry of bridges, not finish lines. And that's the legacy I choose to honor today."
Free Press staff reporters Georgea Kovanis and Niraj Warikoo contributed to this article.
Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Elected leaders in Michigan reflect on Pope Francis' death
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