'Embraced The Poor, The Migrant:' Diocese Of Metuchen Mourns Pope Francis

METUCHEN, NJ — Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff, died on Monday. He was 88.

Elected leaders and the religious across the state mourned the loss of the Bishop of Rome, who had led the Roman Catholic Church since his election in 2013.

In a message to the community, Bishop James F. Checchio of Metuchen highlighted how the Pope embraced the ministry of the poor and the migrant.

"With heavy hearts the Diocese of Metuchen mourns the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. From the moment of his election as Supreme Pontiff when he took the name Francis, our Holy Father has emphasized the mercy of God, embracing in his Petrine ministry the poor, the migrant, the marginalized and all those broken by this world’s problems and concerns," Checchio said.

"We entrust his noble soul to the hands of our Blessed Mother to accompany him to our Father's house. In this Jubilee year in which Pope Francis called us to be Pilgrims of Hope, he has now made the ultimate pilgrimage to the embrace of our loving God."

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.

History’s first Latin American pontiff and also the first Jesuit elected to head the Roman Catholic Church.

The Bishop of Rome charmed the world with his compassion for the poor and humble style. But he did alienate conservatives across the globe with his critiques on capitalism and climate change.

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.

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."

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

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