Apr 22, 2025 By Karen Mansfield 4 min read

Associated Press

Pope Francis leaves at the end of his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday May 15, 2019.

Catholics locally and around the world are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who died Monday morning at the age of 88.

“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,” said Bishop Larry J. Kulick of the Diocese of Greensburg in a statement.

Kulick was appointed by the pope as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg in 2020 and met with him in 2022 while attending a formation of new bishops. Kulick also was in Rome a few weeks ago when the pope was released from the hospital following a lengthy stay.

“I am asking the faithful to pray that the Lord grant Pope Francis eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon him,” Kulick said.

Bishop David Zubik of the Diocese of Pittsburgh said Pope Francis led with compassion.

“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,” Zubik said. “His voice echoed far beyond the walls of the church, inviting people of all backgrounds to walk together in peace, justice, and love.”

Zubik said what struck him most about Pope Francis on the occasions he spent time with him “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.”

The first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff, Pope Francis had led the world’s Catholics since March 2013. His death came after spending weeks in the hospital during February and March with double pneumonia following a lifelong struggle with lung ailments.

It also came shortly after he blessed thousands who flocked to St. Peter’s Basilica at an Easter Sunday appearance.

“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,” said Zubik.

Zubik celebrated a special Mass for Pope Francis Monday evening at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh.

“We are experiencing this loss as a family,” said Zubik. “And as a family would, we need to come together, to be together, and to pray together.

In addition to the special Mass, Zubik encouraged all pastors across the diocese to celebrate Masses for Pope Francis in the coming days.

The diocese will share additional memorial opportunities in the coming days at www.diopitt.org.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has ordered all U.S. and commonwealth flags at facilities, public buildings, and on ground across the state to fly at half-staff in honor of the pope.

“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,” Shapiro said in a statement.