‘Deeply saddened': New England leaders mourn Pope Francis' death

The news of Pope Francis' death Monday at the age of 88 prompted an immediate outpouring of sorrow in Massachusetts and beyond.

Boston Archbishop Richard Henning issued a statement just before 8 a.m. reacting to the pontiff's passing.

"I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Pope Francis. His legacy as Holy Father is broad and deep," he said. "In his ministry and across his writings he has continuously called us to deeper faith and to a more generous participation in the boundless compassion of God. He has challenged us to turn away from selfish impulses and towards communion with others and respect for God's creation. I am personally grateful that he called me to the Episcopacy and entrusted me with the pastoral care of the Church of Boston. His example remains a guiding light to the Universal Church. Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, may he rest in peace."

Speaking with NBC10 Boston later Monday, Henning applauded the pope's service.

"This is a man who, himself, was inspired by Jesus Christ, and called by him to service his church and his people," he said.

Catholic Charities Boston issued the following statement:

"Catholic Charities Boston mourns the loss of Pope Francis, an extraordinary leader of the Catholic Church and a guiding light of hope for millions across the globe. Throughout his life, Pope Francis prioritized the care of the people Catholic Charities Boston is proud to serve every day – vulnerable children and the elderly, families struggling to overcome poverty, refugees and immigrants seeking safer, more stable futures. He was unapologetically committed to treating those living on the margins of society with kindness and respect and was an outstanding model of our vision of a more just, compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people. Pope Francis recently urged Catholics to 'not give into narratives that discriminate and cause unnecessary suffering to our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters.' His words remind us that in these challenging times, our faith calls us to build bridges, recognize our shared humanity, and to stand up for our neighbors in need. We pray for Pope Francis and will honor his legacy of love through service by continuing to empower the most vulnerable among us."

Numerous New England politicians took to social media to share their thoughts.

“I join with my fellow Catholics and people around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His essence of compassion, humility and unbounded hope gave us joy, peace, direction and resolve. I am forever grateful for the honor to have met Pope Francis and been touched by his warmth, kindness and humor," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said. "His life was a commitment to our sacred responsibility to care for others, especially the most vulnerable among us. In no other realm was that more evident than his dedication to climate, human rights, immigrant communities and the working poor. He strove to make the Church more inclusive and welcoming, and he led by reminding us of the dignity and worth of every person. His being will endure in the hearts of those he inspired. May he rest in eternal peace.” 

“Pope Francis was a force for good," Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said. "He will be remembered for his empathy for the most vulnerable among us, his advocacy for action on climate change, and his leadership to make the Church a welcoming place for all — which made so many people feel seen. My heart is with people across the world today mourning his loss.”

"I join the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, the people’s Pope, who reminded us that no matter our faith, we are all caretakers of creation," Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey added. "His legacy of compassion, inclusion, stewardship, and justice will continue to be a roadmap for our world."

"I join the millions of people around the world mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a transformational leader whose humility, compassion, and moral clarity touched the lives of so many," Massachusetts Congresswoman Lori Trahan said.

I join the millions of people around the world mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a transformational leader whose humility, compassion, and moral clarity touched the lives of so many.

Born in Argentina to an immigrant family, Pope Francis brought a unique and powerful…

— Lori Trahan (@RepLoriTrahan) April 21, 2025

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis," Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern said. "His Holiness led with courage and compassion—and he understood that faith is about more than words, it’s about action. He didn’t just talk about feeding the hungry—he fed the hungry. He didn’t just denounce oppression—he fought for justice. He defended the dignity of immigrants and worked to end war and bring about peace. And in doing so, he taught people of all faiths how to live with integrity and purpose. For me, Pope Francis has been a source of hope and inspiration in difficult times. I hope his successor carries forward his vision of a Church that puts faith into action and leads with humility and service by caring for the most vulnerable among us."

New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she was saddened to learn of Pope Francis' passing.

"Pope Francis inspired people aroudn the world with his kindness, humility, and compassion for humanity," she said. "Joe and I are praying for his eternal rest."

“Pope Francis inspired millions of people – of all faiths – through his humble leadership and his courageous calls for world leaders to uplift the poor, embrace peace, and take action to care for the planet we all share," Maine Gov. Janet Mills said. "In Maine, we will never forget his blessings of peace and strength for the people of Lewiston in the wake of the October 2023 tragedy. On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend our deepest condolences to Catholics across the world.” 

“On this Easter Monday, we remember Pope Francis, whose life was a daily testament to the principles of his enduring faith and compassion," Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee added. "He was a beloved and respected leader around the world, embodying grace, humility, and empathy—a powerful example for all. I share my deepest condolences with the Catholic community and everyone who has been inspired by the legacy of Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing.”

"Leading by his words and example, Pope Francis was one of the most inspiring Popes and spiritual leaders of my lifetime, at a time when we needed him most," Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said. "He brought people together, teaching mercy, compassion and reconciliation. I join Catholics across the world in mourning."

Leading by his words and example, Pope Francis was one of the most inspiring Popes and spiritual leaders of my lifetime, at a time when we needed him most. He brought people together, teaching mercy, compassion and reconciliation. I join Catholics across the world in mourning. pic.twitter.com/VlDIIneCjz

— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) April 21, 2025

"I join the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis— a leader 'of peace, for peace.' He urged us to lift up the poor, protect our planet, and show compassion to migrants and refugees. I heard this firsthand from Francis in his 2015 address to Congress; his message rings louder today. May he rest in peace," Connecticut Rep. Joe Courtney said.

The Boston Archdiocese announced that three Masses will be held in Massachusetts this week to honor the pope.

The services will take place Wednesday at St. Theresa's Parish on Centre Street in Boston's West Roxbury neighborhood, Thursday at Immaculate Conception Parish on Merrimack Street in Lowell, and Friday at St. James Church on Page Street in Stoughton. Each Mass will be held at 7 p.m.