New Jersey pays tribute to Pope Francis

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis led with grace and humility. He was dedicated to uplifting the poor, the vulnerable, and those too often left behind.

I join billions of people around the world in mourning his loss and praying for those who drew strength and comfort from his extraordinary example.

In honoring his legacy, may we strive to lead lives rooted in service, guided by kindness, and dedicated to helping those in our communities.”

SENATOR ANDY KIM

“The news of Pope Francis’ passing left me with a real genuine sadness.

I never met him, but he always seemed to be a kind man who showed us all that one can reach the pinnacle of influence and power while exuding authentic humility.

His papacy will be remembered for deep compassion and dedication to the poor and vulnerable.

His legacy of mercy and justice should be a guiding light to all.”

CONGRESSMAN JOSH GOTTHEIMER

“Today, I join the world in mourning the loss of a remarkable leader whose life was defined by humility, grace, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable among us.

Throughout his life, Pope Francis consistently reminded us of the importance of kindness and empathy — values that go beyond faith, country, or politics. He led with both heart and conviction to stand up for the poor, fight for human rights, foster unity, and protect our environment — earning the title of ‘The People’s Pope.’

My prayers are with the Catholic community here in New Jersey, across the country, and around the world as we honor his life and legacy. May his memory be a blessing.”

CONGRESSWOMAN NELLIE POU

“I join the entire world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.  As the first Latin American pontiff to lead the Catholic Church, the Holy Father Pope Francis’s tenure was richly historic. Pope Francis boldly used his pulpit to speak out for universal values and forgotten peoples. He used his voice for the tough issues and set an example for the rest of us to follow. Pope Francis’s spirit of generosity set a new standard for leadership in the modern world. The extinguishing of his voice is a terrible loss for humanity. His words and deeds will inspire us for years to come.”

STATE SENATOR JOSEPH LAGANA

“My heart is heavy this morning with the passing of Pope Francis, a pontiff that led with humility, compassion, and an unshakable devotion to the poor and the marginalized, no matter their faith or background. More than a religious leader, he was a guiding light for all.

His final blessing on Easter Sunday now stands as a powerful farewell to a papacy that will be forever remembered for the hope and humanity it brought us — not just by Catholics, but for anyone who longed for a more just and empathetic world. May we all learn from his beautiful legacy.”

STATE SENATOR VIN GOPAL AND ASSEMBLYWOMEN LUANNE PETERPAUL AND MARGIE DONLON

“We are greatly saddened by the death of Pope Francis. He was a uniting force for peace and humanity in a world that seems to become more divided every day. Pope Francis stood up for the poor, oppressed, and marginalized people everywhere. He brought a world view to advocating for people and the environment, and promoted kindness, acceptance, and equality. Pope Francis leaves a legacy of compassion, humility, humanity, and hope.

The world has lost a great leader.”

FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT STEVE SWEENEY

“I am deeply saddened to hear of Pope Francis’ passing. We live in a time when true moral leadership feels all too absent, and Pope Francis offered clarity, compassion, and unwavering devotion to his fellow man. As a Catholic and the father of a daughter with a disability, I can only hope that the next Pope carries forward his deep commitment to the teachings of the Gospel – to open our hearts and look out for those most in need – and we should all strive to live by the example of humility he set.”

ASSEMBLYMAN AL BARLAS

“I join millions around the globe in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His legacy of faith, compassion, and service has left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church, humanitarianism, and the world as a whole. May His dedication to the betterment of society continue to inspire us all.”

ASSEMBLYWOMAN MITCHELLE DRULIS

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. His kindness, humility, and compassion for all humanity was the hallmark of his thirteen-year papacy and a model for all public servants.  Through this lens, he rose as a world leader inspiring a new and bright future for the Catholic Church while calling upon all of us to be better caretakers of our environment and of our fellow man, regardless of sexual orientation, economic or immigrant status. May his teachings live on through the kind words and good deeds of all who serve.”

HUDSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER BILL O’DEA

“It is with deep sorrow that we in Hudson County—and particularly here in Jersey City—join the global community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the first Latin-American and Jesuit Pope. His legacy of faith, compassion, and tireless advocacy for peace transcended borders, cultures, and creeds.

Jersey City is a place where people from all walks of life and faith traditions live, work, and worship side by side. The Pope’s teachings on inclusion, social justice, and the dignity of every human life resonated deeply within our diverse communities. His example reminded us all of the power of humility and service to others.

As a county rich in immigrant history and vibrant Catholic heritage, we stand in solidarity with the millions around the world who are grieving today. Our thoughts are with the Catholic community across Hudson County, and especially the many congregations and families in Jersey City who looked to Pope Francis as a spiritual guide and moral compass.

May his memory continue to inspire hope, unity, and a steadfast commitment to justice for generations to come.”

CAMDEN COUNTY COMMISSIONER LOUIS CAPPELLI

“The Board of Commissioners is deeply saddened to learn that Pope Francis passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88. Pope Francis entered the role in 2013 and became the first Latin American pontiff in history. He soon became known for his humility and his undying devotion to lifting up the poor and disenfranchised, and advocating for important causes such as climate change and public health.

Pope Francis reimagined what the Catholic Church could be and broke from the status quo of those who held the position before him. Almost instantly, he became known for his outspoken progressive views, which endeared some and worried others. But, despite the critics, Pope Francis remained true to his beliefs and advocated for a more just and equitable world for all.

His legacy will be one of compassion and empathy and some notable moments in his 13-year tenure include his official approval for priests to bless same-sex couples, revising the law when it came to the sexual abuse of children by clergy, his call for people to get vaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic and his criticism of the first Trump Administration for their policies involving immigrants.

Pope Francis was a visionary, he was a person who didn’t abide by the rules set before him in order to create a more progressive and welcoming environment. Pope Francis understood the importance of giving a voice to the voiceless and championing those who are cast aside in our societies. It is especially important that right now, in this tumultuous political climate, that we remember the empathic and loving approach taken by Pope Francis and model that for our own communities.”

ESSEX COUNTY COMMISSIONER BRENDAN GILL

“As a Catholic and in my role as Essex County Commissioner, I join millions around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis.

“His words—“Who am I to judge?”—captured a spirit of humility and compassion that resonated far beyond the walls of the Church. Pope Francis reminded us that leadership means walking with the people, especially the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized.

“He was a moral compass in a fractured world, and his legacy will continue to inspire those of us in public service to lead with empathy, integrity, and justice.

“May Pope Francis rest in eternal peace, and may we carry forward his message of mercy and love.”