Pope Francis Dies At 88; Pittsburgh Bishop Reacts

PITTSBURGH, PA — Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik has released a statement following the death Monday of Pope Francis.

Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years, died at the age of 88. He died after making a high-profile appearance participating in the celebration of Easter. He had been battling serious health problems in recent months and recently had an extended stay in the hospital.

Zubik's statement:

“With deep sorrow, respect, and love, I join the faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and people around the world, in mourning the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

“Pope Francis led the Church with extraordinary humility, compassion, and courage. He reminded us that mercy is at the heart of the Gospel, and he consistently called us to encounter one another with tenderness and care—especially the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten. His voice echoed far beyond the walls of the Church, inviting people of all backgrounds to walk together in peace, justice, and love.

“On the occasions I had the privilege of being in the presence of the Holy Father during visits to the Vatican, what struck me most was not just the dignity of his office, but the warmth of his heart. His attention to each person, his gentle spirit, and his genuine kindness left a lasting impression on me and so many others. He was a shepherd who smelled like his sheep—and the world is better for it. ,/p>

“I ask all in our diocese to join me in praying for the eternal repose of his soul, and in giving thanks for his life and witness. May Pope Francis now rest in the peace of the Risen Christ whom he so faithfully served. And may the Holy Spirit guide the Church in this time of transition.”

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.

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.

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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.