Pope Francis’ death mourned by Houston-area residents, elected officials – Houston Public Media

Houston-area residents are joining the rest of the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who died early Monday morning in Vatican City at age 88.

To honor Pope Francis — born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina — Archbishop of Galveston-Houston Joe S. Vásquez and Cardinal Daniel DiNardo planned to hold a Mass of Easter Monday at 5 p.m. Monday at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston. Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro also was to be in attendance for the Mass, open to the public both in person and online.

“I am deeply saddened at the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, this morning in Rome,” Vasquez said in a statement. “Pope Francis’s life and ministry centered on walking alongside the poor and marginalized, sharing the life-affirming message of the gospel not only with them but also through them to the entire Church. … Let us offer our prayers for His Holiness, Pope Francis, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. May the Lord embrace him in His merciful arms.”

DiNardo shared a similar statement and said Pope Francis will leave a lasting impact on the Catholic Church and the world.

“As the church comes together to mourn and pray for the soul of His Holiness, let us commend him to the loving embrace of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, to whom he had such loving devotion,” DiNardo said. “May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

Leaders from Houston, Harris County and Texas also shared personal statements honoring Pope Francis and his legacy.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said he and the city were joining Catholics worldwide in mourning the pope’s death.

“Pope Francis was an example of hope and unity, and his legacy will inspire acts of kindness, justice and service,” Whitmire said. “I offer my condolences to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and the Catholic community in Houston. I ask Houstonians to join me in prayer and positive thoughts for his soul and for all those who grieve his loss.”

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said Pope Francis will be remembered for “boldly defend[ing] the dignity of all people.”

“As a lifelong Catholic, I join millions around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” Briones said in a statement. “His voice will continue to resonate across the world, inspiring action and providing hope to those who need it. May he rest in peace, and may we honor his legacy by leading with empathy, fostering unity, and working for a more just world.”

Speaking of her experience having seen Pope Francis speak in Washington in 2015, Houston City Council member Sallie Alcorn described the pope as a “True light in this world.”

“How I will miss this loving pope who cared so deeply for the poor, the refugee, the migrant, the forgotten,” Alcorn said in a post on social media. “His humility and compassion were a true light in this world. Rest in peace.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Pope Francis led with “a quiet strength and a servant’s heart.”

“He was a bold and unwavering voice in defense of life, championing the unborn, the vulnerable, and the marginalized with conviction and compassion,” Abbott said. “Our hearts go out to all who join us in mourning his death and remembering the impact his teachings had upon their lives.”

The death of Pope Francis will trigger a gathering of the College of Cardinals in Rome, known as a papal conclave, to elect a new pope. In the meantime, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the former Dallas bishop, will take on the role as interim pope.