Pittsburgh-area religious leaders, parishes react to the death of Pope Francis
Religious leaders and church parishes in the Pittsburgh area are reacting to the news of the death of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis died Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican announced.
Francis had experienced a number of health issues in recent years, including two abdominal surgeries and several serious respiratory infections. He spent five weeks in the hospital in February and March 2025 with bronchitis that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. He marked the 12th anniversary of his papacy from his hospital room.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has ordered all U.S. and Commonwealth flags at facilities, public buildings, and on grounds across the state to fly at half-staff in honor or the Holy Father.
Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik issues statement following death of Pope Francis
"With deep sorrow, respect, and love, I join the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and people around the world, in mourning the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
Pope Francis led the Church with extraordinary humility, compassion, and courage. He reminded us that mercy is at the heart of the Gospel, and he consistently called us to encounter one another with tenderness and care-especially the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten. His voice echoed far beyond the walls of the Church, inviting people of all backgrounds to walk together in peace, justice, and love.
On the occasions I had the privilege of being in the presence of the Holy Father during visits to the Vatican, what struck me most was not just the dignity of his office, but the warmth of his heart. His attention to each person, his gentle spirit, and his genuine kindness left a lasting impression on me and so many others. He was a shepherd who smelled like his sheep-and the world is better for it.
I ask all in our diocese to join me in praying for the eternal repose of his soul, and in giving thanks for his life and witness. May Pope Francis now rest in the peace of the Risen Christ whom he so faithfully served. And may the Holy Spirit guide the Church in this time of transition."
Gov. Josh Shapiro mourns the passing of Pope Francis
"Lori and I join the Catholic community in Pennsylvania and around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.
"I was honored to meet the Pope during his 2015 visit to Pennsylvania. A few years later when he powerfully spoke out in the wake of the Grand Jury report on child abuse in our Commonwealth, he was the first of his position to finally acknowledge the suffering of survivors who have too long been ignored. He leaves a legacy of being a fighter for the defenseless — a teaching we should all learn from.
"May his memory be a blessing."
Saint Vincent Basilica Parish thanks Pope Francis
The Latrobe-based parish posted on social media saying the following:
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen."
Greensburg Diocese Bishop Larry Kulick speaks about his experiences with Pope Francis
Bishop Larry Kulick issued the following statement:
"Today, I join with the Clergy, religious and the faithful of the Diocese of Greensburg in mourning the loss of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Let us give thanks to God for his dedicated service as our faithful shepherd who has gone to our Lord, Jesus Christ. I have always been honored that Pope Francis not only bestowed his trust and confidence in me by naming me 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg in 2020, but in allowing me to shepherd and provide pastoral care for my home Diocese. After the COVID -19 pandemic, I had the magnificent opportunity to be in his presence in Rome in 2022 while attending formation for new bishops. I was also in Rome a few weeks ago when the Holy Father was released from the hospital after his lengthy stay.
I am asking the faithful to pray that the Lord grant Pope Francis eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Let us also ask the Holy Spirit to guide the Church in this period of mourning and transition. "Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg Bishop Kulick was recently in Pope Francis' presence when he was outside Gemelli Hospital in Rome when Francis made his first appearance after being hospitalized in February to be treated for bronchitis that developed into pneumonia in both lungs."
Kulick said he was shocked to learn of Francis' passing after seeing him participating in Easter festivities on Sunday.
"I think a lot of us were thinking he's really improving and pushing himself," Kulick said in a live interview with the KDKA-TV Morning News.
Kulick used the phrase "extremely pastoral" as a way of describing Francis in his experiences of meeting him in recent years.
A special mass is being held at 11:45 a.m. Monday at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral.
Mayor Ed Gainey extends condolences
"In this time of mourning, First Lady Michelle and I extend our condolences to the global Catholic community and all those who were touched by Pope Francis' leadership and grace. May his legacy endure in the hearts of believers and those who loved him."
Allegheny County Controller and mayoral candidate Corey O'Connor remembers Pope Francis
"I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Pope Francis, who led with kindness, empathy, and a genuine concern for people around the world."
Sen. Dave McCormick issues statement
"Pope Francis was a remarkable spiritual leader whose life brought hope to millions and made the world a better place. Dina and I are thinking about and join with the devout and strong Catholic community across Pennsylvania mourning his loss with brothers and sisters around the globe. May he rest in peace."
U.S. Representatives from Pennsylvania remember Pope Francis
Rep. Mike Kelly
"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 lives."
Rep. Chris Deluzio
"I join so many in Western PA and around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. He was a source of pride for me and so many fellow Catholics and spoke with moral clarity that has become all too rare."
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler
"I am sad to learn of the passing of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace."
Rep. Summer Lee
"Pope Francis' exemplary leadership taught us to care for our most vulnerable, be stewards of the earth, and oppose injustice everywhere. His passing will be felt by many worldwide. May he rest in eternal peace."
Duquesne University President remembers meeting Pope Francis
"I had the rare opportunity to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican in February of 2018, early in my presidency. It was the honor of a lifetime.
"Pope Francis was an extraordinary man, and an extraordinary leader of the Church. What struck me most was that he literally beamed with joy as he moved from area to area in the Hall, meeting people of all backgrounds. It occurred to me that the Vatican was built to serve as the heart of the Church, worldwide. Faithful Catholics made the pilgrimage here from all over the world to the Vatican to catch a glimpse of the Pope, to hold up Papal rosary beads to be blessed (I have a pair) and to be in the presence of the person who carries forward the sacred 2,000-year tradition since Christ's birth and death. Pope Francis, more than others, seemed to understand all this. He relished his role as the shepherd of the flock. He realized that every photo taken in this Hall would be shared back home across all corners of the globe (as they did in my case) and reach millions of others as he sought touch a worldwide group of faithful. Even though Pope Francis, at that time, was over 80 years old, he had a sparkle in his eye, a youthful gait, and exuded a genuine love for all he met."
La Roche University mourns Pope Francis
"The La Roche University community joins Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Holy See, the Society of Jesus - the religious order he entered in 1958 - and the global Catholic Church.
"As a Catholic university founded and sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence, La Roche is deeply rooted in the values of compassion, justice, peace, and inclusivity. Pope Francis exemplified these values through his humble leadership, his tireless advocacy for the poor and marginalized, and his call to care for creation as a sacred responsibility. He called on Catholic universities in particular 'to be an expression of the love that inspires every activity of the Church, namely, God's love for the human person.' This idea underlies our university motto, ad lucem per amorem, 'to light through love.'"
