'Legacy Of Love, Mercy And Service': New Jersey Reacts To The Death Of Pope Francis

NEW JERSEY — Tributes to Pope Francis, who died Monday at age 88, poured in across New Jersey on Monday.

Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital in 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 New Jersey, state leaders were offering their condolences to the Catholic community. The state's three dioceses issued statements and announced special Masses to honor the man who led them since 2013.

"With profound sorrow and heartfelt gratitude, I join the Church in mourning the death of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, a shepherd who walked closely with God’s people and never tired of reminding us of God’s mercy," said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark. "He was a man of deep faith, profound humility, and unshakable hope — a servant whose tireless call to care for the poor and the marginalized will continue to inspire the Church for generations to come."

"Let us give thanks for his life, his witness, and his love for the People of God. And may we honor his memory by building a Church that reflects the face of Jesus — merciful, welcoming, and always near to those on the margins," Tobin said.

"Pope Francis’ legacy is one of boundless grace, simplicity, humility and hope," Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Trenton Diocese said in a statement. "He demonstrated a gentle spirit, offering solace and guidance to those in need. His words and actions were a testament to the power of faith and the enduring strength of the human spirit."

"Despite his illness and suffering, Pope Francis continued to make his presence known, seen and felt," O'Connell said. "Let us carry forward his legacy of love, mercy, and service. May we honor his memory by living out the Gospel with renewed fervor, always seeking to be instruments of God’s peace and reconciliation in our world."

"Throughout his ministry as universal pastor, Pope Francis – born Jorge Mario Bergoglio – selflessly and untiringly served the Church with the tenderness of Jesus, the Good Shepherd," Bishop Joseph A. Williams of the Camden Diocese said. "He wanted pastors to have 'the smell of the sheep' and encouraged all the faithful, by word and example, to 'go out' to the peripheries of society and the Church with mercy for the troubled and abandoned. He dreamed of a Church that was poor, transparent, listening and that 'walked together.' I believe he died having brought us closer to that dream."

Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement that he and First Lady Tammy Murphy were "heartbroken" over the news.

"Throughout his life, Pope Francis taught all of us to lead with compassion, conviction, and humility," Murphy said. "From Buenos Aires to Rome, he reminded us that we are inextricably bound to one another, and that we all have a sacred duty to alleviate suffering across the world. He was a model of mercy and inclusivity, never hesitating to comfort the sick, the indigent, or the most marginalized among us."

"Tammy and I send our prayers to everyone who, like us, found deep solace and hope in Pope Francis’s words and the example he set. In his honor, let us continue striving, as Pope Francis once urged us, to "seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves,' " Murphy said.

"Pope Francis led with humility, compassion, and a fierce call for justice. His loss is felt deeply," state Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a post on X. "Our hearts are with the Catholic community around the world and here in New Jersey. May he rest in peace."

"The news of Pope Francis’ passing left me with a real genuine sadness," Sen. Andy Kim said. "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 forever 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 who serve this world," Kim said.

"My condolences to everyone in the Catholic faith and beyond who are feeling the loss of Pope Francis today," Sen. Cory Booker said. "May his memory be a blessing."

Rep. Josh Gottheimer called Pope Francis "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 the environment — earning the title of 'The People's Pope,' " Gottheimer said.

"He was a uniting force for peace and humanity in a world that seems to become more divided every day," Sen. Vin Gopal and Assemblywomen Margie Donlan and Luanne Peterpaul of the 11th District said in a joint statement. "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," they said.

"We mourn the passing of His Holiness, who served as a humble servant, walked with the poor, preached peace, and led with compassion. Rest in peace, Pope Francis," Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn of the 13th District said, sharing a quote from the Prayer of St. Francis: "Where there is hatred, let me sow love … where there is despair, hope."

"Throughout his life — and especially during his papacy — Francis embodied the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ," Seton Hall University President Monsignor Joseph R. Reilly said in a message to the Catholic university's community. "He spoke and acted against everything that opposed Christ. We will miss his voice, his wisdom, his courage, his humility and his mere presence in the world."

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.”

"Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people," former President Barack Obama, who was in office when Francis became the pope, said on X. "In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound — embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners — he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another."

"Today, Michelle and I mourn with everyone around the world – Catholic and non-Catholic alike – who drew strength and inspiration from the Pope’s example. May we continue to heed his call to 'never remain on the sidelines of this march of living hope,' " Obama wrote.

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.