Pope Francis Dies: See Reactions From Rhode Island's Catholic Community

RHODE ISLAND — Tributes to Pope Francis, who died Monday at age 88, poured in across Rhode Island's Catholic community.

"With heavy hearts, the Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Providence mourns the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis," Rev. Monsignor. Albert Kenney, the administrator for the Diocese of Providence, said. "From the moment of his election as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church when he took the name Francis, our Holy Father has been a shining and powerful example of the mercy of God, embracing in his Petrine ministry the poor, the migrant, the marginalized, and the global Catholic community. We entrust his noble soul to the hands of our Blessed Mother, his patroness under the title Salus Populi Romani, the Refuge of the Roman people. May he rest in God’s peace."

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.

"I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Pope Francis. His legacy as Holy Father is broad and deep," Boston Archbishop and former Providence Bishop said. "In his ministry and across his writings, he has continuously called us to deeper faith and to a more generous participation in the boundless compassion of God. He has challenged us to turn away from selfish impulses and towards communion with others and respect for God's creation. I am personally grateful that he called me to the Episcopacy and entrusted me with the pastoral care of the Church of Boston. His example remains a guiding light to the Universal Church."

“As the first Holy Father from the Americas, Pope Francis was a guiding light on how to care for the most vulnerable with humility and grace,” Rep. Gabe Amo (D-Pawtucket), said. “His advocacy for migrants and immigrants, his support for protecting the environment, and his condemnation of radical extremism embodied the teachings of Christ. As the world mourns his passing, I join those who take comfort that his moral clarity will stand the test of time.”

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.