Minnesota religious, political leaders react to death of Pope Francis

Religious and political leaders in Minnesota are reacting to the news that Pope Francis has died.

Francis was 88. Earlier this year, he had been hospitalized for more than a month for treatment of respiratory issues. He made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday — a day before his death — to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square.

There was a moment of silence at the start of Monday morning’s Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul, for prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. There will be a special Mass at noon Monday at the cathedral with Archbishop Bernard Hebda, to commemorate the passing of Pope Francis.

Roughly 18 percent of Minnesota adults are Catholic, according to a religious landscape study done in 2023-24 by the Pew Research Center.

In the wake of the news early Monday that Francis had died, Minnesota religious and political leaders shared statements on social media and elsewhere:

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Diocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

Excerpt from a statement posted online: How providential that our loving God would call Pope Francis home just as we begin our 50 days of celebrating Christ’s victory over sin and death. I trust that he felt the comforting prayers of the world as he joined the crowd in St. Peter’s Square yesterday for the Church’s celebration of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. The Holy Father’s powerful Easter greeting, expressing his closeness to those experiencing the scourge of war and abandonment, will be long remembered as his testament.

I will always be grateful to Pope Francis for assigning me to serve as the Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. I have fond memories this day of all the times that he assured me of his prayers for this Archdiocese.

Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester

From a social media post: Our Holy Father Pope Francis has died. I would invite everyone to pray for the repose of his soul. He was a man of simplicity, compassion, and deep concern for those on the margins of our society. Let us thank God for the life and ministry of Pope Francis and let us pray for the Cardinals who will soon gather to choose his successor.

Excerpt from an additional statement posted online: Pope Francis was a great pastor who spoke from the heart and with tender affection. I had the pleasure of meeting with Pope Francis several times during his papacy. On the occasions when he and I spoke, his comments would burn their way into my heart and mind.

Bishop Patrick Neary, Diocese of St. Cloud

Excerpt from a statement posted online: To me Pope Francis was a light shining in the darkness, a friend of the poor and a prophet of God’s mercy and justice. He envisioned the Church to be a field hospital that would meet human beings precisely where they are, just as Christ did. He called us to be better stewards of the earth. By introducing the synod on synodality, he reminded us of the need to lovingly encounter, listen, and discern together God’s will for the Church.

On a personal note, I was so honored to meet him as a new bishop in September 2023 and felt not only his holiness but his humanness. He was just one of us. May he now rest from his labors, for his good deeds go with him!

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar

From a social media post: We will greatly miss the Pope: a voice for the voiceless. The one time I saw him pray for and address the gathered at St. Peter’s Square, when he finished he did what he always did—he greeted and blessed those with disabilities first.

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer

From a social media post: Jacquie and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis this morning. May God rest his soul.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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