Baltimore Archbishop and Maryland leaders remember Pope Francis after his death
Bells tolled at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore Monday as parishioners woke up to news of Pope Francis' passing.
According to The Vatican, Pope Francis died at 88 years old on Monday, just after 7:30 a.m. local time.
Baltimore Archbishop William Lori and several Maryland leaders and organizations shared tributes to Pope Francis after his death early Monday.
"I was just surprised because although I know he had been ailing, I wasn't prepared for his death," said Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services.
Many people remember Pope Francis as someone who was different from his predecessors. Despite varying opinions about the Church itself, many recall the late pontiff as a humble priest who addressed the needs and suffering of everyday people.
"He was a real pastor of souls and I think he will be sorely missed," said Archbishop William Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Parishioner Anthony Paz expressed his reaction to the news: "I was surprised because I knew he wasn't doing too well and I was hoping for the best, but I'm happy that he was able to make it through Easter."
The announcement of Pope Francis' death came after he greeted a crowd outside the Vatican on Easter Sunday. Some interpreted the public appearance as a final goodbye.
"To continually go out and bring the message of hope, a message of faith, a message of love that flows from the gospel of Christ...that was Pope Francis," said Archbishop Lori.
The Pope's influence deeply affected Callahan, whose organization helps refugees and those less fortunate around the world. He recalled meeting the Pope on several occasions in Rome.
"He really was a pastor and someone who really liked to embrace people and he was also a man of action," Callahan said.
That action inspired service and doing good in the world, which is at the core of Catholic Relief Services' mission.
"This holy father will be very lasting in calling us to come together as a people and looking for our brothers and sisters and making sure that we give everyone a hand up," said Callahan.
How did Pope Francis die?
According to the Vatican, Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke and heart failure.
He had experienced some health issues in the years ahead of his death.
The pope spent over a month hospitalized with bronchitis in February, which later developed into pneumonia in both of his lungs.
During recent appearances, Pope Francis was seen struggling to catch his breath, and in 2024, he was being pushed in a wheelchair for an interview with CBS News.
In past years, he also underwent two abdominal surgeries, CBS News reported.
Baltimore Archbishop shares tribute
On Monday morning, Baltimore Archbishop Lori shared a tribute to Pope Francis in a statement, saying, "Throughout the years of his pontificate, Pope Francis manifested his love for the poor and marginalized. He lifted up the plight of migrants and refugees, victims of injustice, the sick and elderly, and global poverty."
During his 12 years as pope, Francis challenged some of the Catholic church's long-held traditions, saying he wanted "a poorer Church" that would "include the excluded."
Pope Francis chose to live in a Vatican hotel instead of the papal apartment; he carried his own bags and often walked across Rome to shop for himself.
"Pope Francis challenged dioceses, parishes, and other church communities to undergo what he called 'a missionary conversion' – to be centers of missionary activity intent on fulfilling the Lord's mandate to spread the Gospel," Archbishop Lori said.
In his letter, Archbishop Lori recalled meeting Pope Francis on several occasions and presenting him with a Baltimore Ravens jersey.
"On one occasion, seminarians from the Archdiocese of Baltimore presented Pope Francis, an avid sports fan, with a Ravens jersey," Archbishop Lori said.
The archbishop said he plans to attend Pope Francis' funeral and will offer a Mass for the Holy Father in the coming days.
"Often the Holy Father would ask visitors to pray for him. I am sure he would want us to pray for him now that he may rest in the peace of the Risen Lord," Archbishop Lori said.
Maryland leaders react to death of Pope Francis
Other Maryland leaders also shared tributes to Pope Francis after his death.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore honored the love that Pope Francis had for all people, saying, "The People's Pope led with humility, compassion, and love for all people. I will be forever grateful for his spiritual leadership and the legacy he leaves behind."
"Pope Francis embodied servant leadership and compassion for others," Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen said in a social media post. "He lent his voice to standing up for those left behind - he will be remembered as a champion for a more just world and his unwavering love for the most vulnerable."
Sen. Angela Alsobrooks honored Pope Francis for using his voice to advocate for social justice and peace.
"He was the embodiment of 'love your neighbor as yourself' and taught mercy over judgment," Sen. Alsobrooks said.
