Connecticut Reacts To The Death Of Pope Francis

CONNECTICUT —Tributes to Pope Francis, who died Monday at age 88, poured in across the state.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced that – in accordance with a proclamation from President Donald Trump ordering flags throughout the United States to be lowered as a mark of solemn respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis – he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut to fly at half-staff and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined.

Lamont praised the late Pontiff for "leading by his words and example."

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

The pope emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause as he continued his recovery from a near-fatal bout of double pneumonia.

“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” Francis said, his voice sounding stronger than it has since he was released from the hospital on March 23.

History’s first Latin American pontiff and also the first Jesuit elected to head the Roman Catholic Church, Francis charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, the marginalized and migrants but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.

The Holy Father named himself after St. Francis of Assisi in deference to the saint’s humility and commitment to the poor and his message of peace. He lived in a simple two-room suite at the Vatican guesthouse rather than the more luxurious Apostolic Palace.

In a video posted to X, Lamont said, "As an old WASP, I was particularly touched by his basic sense of humanity, a champion for peace, and a reminder that we are all God's children -- messages more important today than ever before. "God bless Pope Francis, and may his example live on forever."

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State Sen. Stephen Harding (District 30) issued the following statement regarding the passing of Pope Francis on behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus:

“Pope Francis’s message and mission was based on compassion. Compassion for the less fortunate. Compassion among races and religions. He was loved by millions of people across the globe. We collectively remember that compassion and we mourn his passing.”

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-District 2) called 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."

Posting on X, Republican State Sen. Ryan Fazio representing Connecticut's 36th District praised Pope Francis for spending "his life in service of the Lord. Today we pray for him and our Catholic Church as it selects a new pope.

State Sen. Tony Hwang (R-District 28) called the pontifex "a beacon of moral clarity in turbulent times. Through his advocacy for the poor, the sick, the marginalized, and our planet, he reminded us of our shared humanity and the power of faith in action. His message transcended religious boundaries, urging all people to choose empathy over judgment, peace over conflict, and unity over division."

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”

The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has offered prayers and condolences for Francis to his spiritual brothers, sisters and followers around the world.

He said in a letter that Francis had dedicated himself to the service of others, “consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life. The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”

The first formal liturgical ritual for Francis will occur at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT) on Monday with the confirmation of the pope's death and the placement of the body in the coffin.

The Vatican released the announcement from Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of liturgical ceremonies. The presiding prelate is Cardinal Joseph Farrell, the camerlengo who has taken over the administration of the Holy See and will remain in charge until a new pope is elected.

Those invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel where Francis lived, are the dean of the College of Cardinals, any relatives of the pope, the director and vice director of the Vatican's health department.

The body rests in the pope's personal chapel for the ritual pronouncement of death, presided over by the camerlengo, the Vatican official who runs the Holy See administration between the death or resignation of one pope and the election of another.

For the public, the cardinal archpriest of St. Peter's Basilica, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, is expected to lead a recitation of the Rosary prayer in St. Peter's Square later Monday.

According to the new rites and rituals Francis approved last year, the body will remain in the chapel for a few days before being brought for public viewing in St. Peter's Basilica. After that there will be the funeral and conclave to elect a new pope.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.