Catholic clergy, CEOs and political leaders reacted to the death of Pope Francis today (April 21) at age 88. History’s first Latin American pontiff charmed the world with his humility and delved into issues such as climate change and helping the poor.
San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone wrote on X this morning: “Pope Francis called on us all to give more, sacrifice more, and care more about the poorest and most vulnerable, from the tiny infant in the womb, to the elderly and infirm, to the migrant and the refugee. Let us take inspiration from his words and example and put that inspiration into action. That is the greatest tribute we could give to him.”
In San Jose, Bishop Oscar Cantu recalled that Pope Francis referred to the church as a field hospital because it should reach out to everyone, especially the poor.
“His emphasis on mercy, care for creation, and solidarity with the poor has left an indelible mark on the church and the world,” Cantu wrote.
Cantu said he will a Diocesan Memorial Mass for Pope Francis in the coming days. The time and date will be announced soon, he said.
Palo Altan Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, met with Pope Francis in 2022. The pontiff has often advocated for limiting smartphone use in favor of personal communication.
Cook said on X this morning: “Joining people around the world in mourning Pope Francis today. He lived a life of extraordinary grace and deep compassion. May he rest in peace.”
Political leaders reacted to the pontiff’s death.
“Personally, the loss of Pope Francis is devastating,” said Congresswoman and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi. “It was my high honor to attend his installation on the Feast of Saint Joseph in 2013 and to be in the House chamber during his historic address to the Congress in 2015. In San Francisco, we take special pride in Pope Francis, as he shares the namesake of our city and honors the call of our anthem, the Song of Saint Francis, to be an ‘instrument of peace.’”
“Many of us who met His Holiness know that he would always say, ‘Pray for me.’ Now, we will pray to him and pledge to carry on his towering legacy. May he rest in peace,” Pelosi said in a statement from her office.
San Mateo County Supervisor and former Congresswoman Jackie Speier posted on X this morning about Pope Francis: “One of the thrills of my time in Congress was being blessed by the Pope. He could not bless the members during his speech in the House chamber. But, he went outside and we scurried out to receive his blessings. In his signature humility, he asked us to pray for him. We do.”
Congressman Kevin Mullin, D-South San Francisco, also posted about the pope’s death.
“Pope Francis was a Pope for the people. He showed us light and warmth in a world of darkness. He was a strong voice for peace, justice and human dignity. His legacy will continue to inspire action, reflection and hope for generations to come. We mourn his loss and honor his extraordinary life. I will always cherish his leadership and memory,” Mullin posted.
“RIP Pope Francis. As the first pope from the Americas, he brought a powerful voice for the poor, the planet, and the dignity of every person. He reminded us that faith must walk hand in hand with justice, humility, and compassion. May his memory be a blessing,” state Sen. Josh Becker posted on X.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement that Pope Francis believed a “better world is possible through grace and kindness, and through fellowship with our neighbors, no matter our differences.”
Newsom also pointed to the pope’s positions on political issues. “He championed human dignity, especially that of the poor, called the world to urgent climate action, condemned the death penalty, and confronted painful truths — including the church’s role in the genocide of Indigenous peoples.”
Francis suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man. He was admitted to a hospital on Feb. 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia. He spent 38 days there, the longest hospitalization of his 12-year papacy.
He last appeared in public on Sunday with an Easter morning blessing and popemobile tour through a crowd of thousands in St. Peter’s Square.
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Archbishop Cordileone’s words remind us of the importance of compassion and action in our daily lives. It’s inspiring to see Pope Francis’s dedication to the vulnerable, despite his own health challenges. His prolonged hospitalization highlights the resilience he has shown throughout his papacy. The Easter blessing and popemobile tour were powerful moments of connection with the faithful. How can we better embody the Pope’s call to care for the most vulnerable in our own communities?
Pope Francis turned his back to Catholics in China by blessing numerous actions by the Communist rulers. As a result thousands of Chinese Catholics, such as Jimmy Lai, are wasting away in Chinese prisons. This is inexcusable. Francis coddling of Communists will go down as a black mark in his legacy.