State, local leaders react to death of Pope Francis

Capital Region and New York state leaders are reacting to the death of Pope Francis. Here are some of the statements we’ve received:

Gov. Kathy Hochul

I join Catholics around the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis.
He embodied the values Christ taught us every day: Helping the less fortunate, calling for peace, and ensuring every person is treated as a child of God.
We should all strive to carry on his legacy.

Sen. Chuck Schumer

I join the world in mourning the sad news of Pope Francis’s passing. Pope Francis’s message of hope inspired people around the world—people of all faiths. His compassion and love for the less fortunate was felt in every corner. His papacy will be remembered as a beacon of light and hope against the darkness. My prayers are with the billions of people today who are mourning his loss.

Sen. Kirsten Gillbrand

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. He will be remembered for his compassion for the vulnerable, his devotion to his faith and for his steadfast belief in a better tomorrow. Pope Francis touched the lives of countless people from all faiths and backgrounds. May he rest in peace.

Rep. Paul Tonko

Our world has lost a truly remarkable servant of the people. Pope Francis embodied the values of all faiths and, as a respected global leader, worked tirelessly on behalf of those who are too often forgotten. His humble but forceful work in service to immigrant, refugee, and marginalized communities, and in pursuit of peace will live on eternally.

While we mourn his loss, let us be lifted up by his humble faith, modest lifestyle, and groundbreaking work, and never forget his message that we all have a role to play in the sound stewardship of our planet and of each other.

Rep. Elise Stefanik

The world mourns the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis. I will always remember and cherish when His Holiness Pope Francis was the first and only Pope to deliver a Joint Address to Congress at the invitation of Speaker John Boehner. In this moment of profound grief, our prayers are with Pope Francis, the faithful of the Catholic Church, and billions around the globe who found hope in his words.