‘The People’s Pope:’ How US politicians are reacting to Pope Francis’ death

U.S. politicians are reacting to the passing of Pope Francis, expressing their condolences to Catholics around the world and reflecting on his legacy.

Francis, the first-ever pontiff from the Americas, died in Rome on April 21 after weeks of declining health. He was 88 years old.

Born in Argentina, he was elected to lead the Catholic church in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was seen by many as a progressive figure, speaking out on issues like climate change, refugees and unbridled capitalism.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalized,” the Vatican said in a statement.

US political leaders react

“Rest in Peace Pope Francis!” President Donald Trump wrote in a short post on Truth Social. “May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis,” Vice President JD Vance wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, met with Francis at the Vatican just hours before his death on April 20.

“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” the vice president said, adding that he will always remember a homily Francis gave during the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. “May God rest his soul.”

Congressional leaders also released statements on the pontiff’s passing.

“Pope Francis led a life of faithful witness to the Gospel,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, wrote in a post on X. “He dedicated himself to spreading the Good News with joy, and he will be remembered as a humble servant of God and a man of great compassion for those in need.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, wrote in his own post that Francis’ “message of hope inspired people around the world—people of all faiths,” adding, “His papacy will be remembered as a beacon of light and hope against the darkness.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, wrote in a post on X, “our prayers are with all those mourning the passing of Pope Francis. As the leader of the Catholic Church, he impacted the lives of countless people across the globe. May he rest in peace.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat, posted a lengthy response.

“Throughout his historic tenure as the first Jesuit and first Latino to lead the Church, Pope Francis dedicated his time on Earth to uplifting the least, the lost and the left behind,” Jeffries’ message read, in part. He added that Francis’ “groundbreaking legacy will live on.”

Rank-and-file lawmakers react

Dozens of other rank-and-file lawmakers also expressed their condolences at the passing of the Catholic leader.

“We have lost the messenger, but we must hold fast to the message of Pope Francis to love and respect one another,” Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois and a practicing Catholic, wrote on X. “In a world of hate and fear, Pope Francis’ message of peace and understanding is needed now more than ever.”

Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, and also a practicing Catholic, wrote in a post that “Francis brought faith, hope, and light to Catholics all over the world.”

She said she was honored to meet him in 2015, when he became the first pope to address to a joint session of Congress.

“Today, the world mourns the passing of ‘The People’s Pope,’ whose lifetime of spreading kindness, hope and love will be remembered for generations,” Rep. Joe Neguse, a Colorado Democrat, wrote on X.

“I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pope Francis,” Rep. Mike Levin, a California Democrat, wrote in a post. “As pope, he made tremendous humanitarian strides, including waging groundbreaking efforts to address climate change. May his legacy serve as a reminder of what compassionate and courageous leadership looks like.”

“Francis championed the cause of the poor, called for peace in times of conflict, and reminded us all of the power of faith and forgiveness,” Rep. Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican, wrote on X.

This story was originally published April 21, 2025 at 10:22 AM with the headline "‘The People’s Pope:’ How US politicians are reacting to Pope Francis’ death."