Pope Francis died Monday at age 88. History’s first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated many conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.
The cause of death has not been shared. Francis had chronic lung disease, and he was admitted to a hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
He last appeared in public on Sunday with an Easter blessing and popemobile tour through a cheering crowd in St. Peter’s Square. No date for the funeral has been announced. The next pope is still to be decided.
“We have just lost a peacemaker,” said Christian Buhendwa, a worshiper in Congo. – Associated Press
Here’s how leaders from across Illinois responded:
Statement from Bishop Louis Tylka, Diocese of Peoria:
“The Catholic Church and the Diocese of Peoria, along with many people of good faith, mourn the loss of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who has gone home to the Lord. We commend his soul to God.
We are grateful for the witness of faith with which he shepherded the Church through his entire life but in particular during his Pontificate over the last 12 years. The Holy Father has shown us, in word and deed, that the encounter with Jesus brings God’s overwhelming love into our lives and it is for each and every person. He has encouraged us to be a Church that is on mission, that is a Church that listens to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are on the margins. He has called us to be a people of peace. He has called us to be a people who care for the environment, and that we walk in solidarity with one another as we move and journey toward God’s eternal kingdom.
We trust that he now enjoys the fullness of life with the risen Lord. In spite of our sadness with his passing, we are a people of hope because we believe in Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and we believe in the Resurrection. We long for the day and look forward to the day when we will once again join with the Holy Father in the great banquet of eternal life that Christ has prepared for us all.”
Pope Francis taught us that in order to be great, we have to be good.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) April 21, 2025
Care for the poor, feed the hungry, be humble stewards of the Earth and treat others how we would want to be treated—even if they pray or live differently than us.
His teachings remain as important as ever.…
Tim Ditman, OSF HealthCare spokesperson shared this statement:
“With deep sorrow, we join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. A humble servant of God, he inspired us all with his compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to the dignity of every human life. A servant leader, his call to draw near to and care for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized echoes deeply with our Mission at OSF HealthCare. May we honor his legacy by continuing to bring hope, love and healing to those we serve.”
Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) shared this statement:
“It is with great sadness that I have learned of his Holiness Pope Francis’ passing, but I also want to express my gratitude for his homily of compassion, humility, and service. The faith and leadership he displayed as a disciple of Christ was a remarkable example for all of us. I am thinking of and praying for all my fellow Catholics who are mourning his passing today.