Pope Francis passes at 88, the Northeast Ohio Catholic community reacts

On Easter Monday, after a battle with a chronic lung ailment, the 88-year-old Pope Francis died.

He was the first Latin American pontiff, hailing from Argentina, and became an instantly recognizable figure after becoming pope. The Associated Press described him as charming, “the world with his humble style and concern for the poor,” noting that he also, “alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.” He was also the Catholic Church’s first Jesuit pope.

Northeast Ohio Catholics mourned the passing of Francis on Monday. Bishop Edward C. Malesic, leader of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, issued the following statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the passing of Pope Francis, who has shepherded the Catholic Church for the past 12 years. As the first pope from the Americas, Jorge Mario Bergoglio chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, and like his namesake, he lived a humble, simple, and pious life, serving as an inspiration to the faithful around the world. 

“I was blessed to see Pope Francis in January in Rome and passed along the best wishes and prayers of the faithful from the diocese of Cleveland. This was a highlight of a pilgrimage I led to Italy, during which our group was among those who enjoyed an audience with the pope. He responded, “Ah, Cleveland,” so you can be sure he knew about our exceptional diocese.”

Northeast Ohio Catholic institutions, like John Carroll University, also issued statements mourning Francis’ passing.

“John Carroll University joins the global Catholic community and the wider human family in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His commitment to mercy, dialogue, and care for creation leaves an enduring legacy for the Church and all people of good will. We give thanks for his leadership and example as the first Jesuit pope, which will continue to inspire our commitment to faith, justice, and service for the common good,” a university spokesperson told The Land in an email. John Carroll is a Catholic and Jesuit-led university.

Other Northeast Ohio officials took to social media to express their sympathies for the Catholic community and express admiration for Pope Francis.

Deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A global shepherd of compassion, justice, and humility—his legacy will continue to inspire us to care for the least among us. Cleveland mourns with the world today. May he rest in peace.

— Justin M. Bibb (@JustinMBibb) April 21, 2025

“We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to included the excluded and preach peace.”
– Pope Francis 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/54GjPa9lyQ

— Chris Ronayne (@chrisronayne) April 22, 2025

The Vatican said Francis died at 7:35 a.m. Monday. He had suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man. Fracis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025 for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

Bells tolled in churches from his native Argentina to the Philippines and across Rome as news spread around the world after the announcement, which was read by Cardinal Kevin Farrell from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” said Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who takes charge after a pontiff’s death.

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.

He made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday — a day before his death — to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square, drawing wild cheers and applause. Beforehand, he met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Francis performed the blessing from the same loggia where he was introduced to the world on March 13, 2013 as the 266th pope.

“His legacy of encouraging clergy and laity to work together to evangelize with the Good News of Jesus and to serve the least among us made an incredibly significant impression on me,” Malesic added. “He brought together clergy, religious and laity from around the world in his efforts to encourage church leaders to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He championed environmental stewardship, promoted unity among Catholics, non-Catholics, and non-Christians, and called us all to be a global family that welcomes our brothers and sisters in need with open arms. Even as pope, he didn’t put himself ahead of others, but embodied the term “servant leader,” which made him beloved and respected throughout the world.”

World leaders on Monday extolled Francis’ commitment to the most marginalized members of society. French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country is largely Catholic, wrote on X: “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. … May this hope forever outlast him.”

Flags flew at half-staff in Italy, and tourists and the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. When the great bells of St. Peter’s Basilica began tolling, visitors stopped in their tracks to record the moment on their phones.

This story includes reporting from The Associated Press’ NICOLE WINFIELD.