'Respected By People Of Many Faiths': Rep. Watson Coleman Mourns Pope Francis

PRINCETON, 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 led the Roman Catholic Church since his election in 2013.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) recalled Pope Francis' commitment to the poor and downtrodden.

“Today, I stand with millions of Catholics in New Jersey and over one billion around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis I. Pope Francis inspired millions with his compassion for the outcast and oppressed. His spirit reinvigorated the faith of many. His commitment to the poor and downtrodden and his calls to seek an end to war and address climate change and the evils of predatory capitalism will be a legacy that will cast a light in the darkness for generations to come," Watson Coleman told Patch in a statement.

"Pope Francis was respected by people of many faiths, transcending the Catholic Church and Christian faith in a way that few have. May the Lord welcome him into His loving embrace.”

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.

Bishop David M. O'Connell of Trenton and the Diocese mourned the death of the pontiff. In a message to the congregation, O'Connell highlighted how the Pope embodied the true essence of servant leadership.

“His papacy was characterized by a relentless pursuit of peace, dialogue and unity. He tirelessly advocated for the poor, for migrants and refugees, for the disenfranchised, reminding us all of our shared humanity reminding us all of our shared humanity and the Christian moral imperative to lift one another up,” O'Connell said.

“His teachings on environmental stewardship, encapsulated in his second encyclical Laudato Si’ (May 24, 2015), urged Catholics and all people of the world to “care for our common home” and to protect the earth for future generations.”

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.

“Pope Francis was not without his critics, even some high-profile members of the hierarchy. He was often labeled in various Catholic Church circles as “progressive.” His unconventional style, especially when making unscripted or “off the cuff” remarks to members to the media, led some people to call him “confusing.” Similarly, his custom of greeting and welcoming people of all beliefs, including those who openly disagreed with Catholic Church teachings, raised similar wonderment at times,” O'Connell said.

“And yet, Pope Francis was never afraid to speak the truth of the Gospel, Church doctrine and tradition with firmness, conviction and adherence to their principles. That needs to be acknowledged.”

In memory of Pope Francis, O'Connell called on members of the diocese to honor his memory by creating a world where “compassion, mercy and justice prevail, where the dignity of every person is upheld, and where the light of hope shines brightly for all.”

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

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