‘Epitome of compassion and humility’: Massachusetts leaders, local Catholics react to death of Pope Francis

Massachusetts political and religious leaders including Archbishop of Boston Richard Henning mourned the loss of Pope Francis on Monday Henning expressed his condolences at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston s South End after the pontiff died in Vatican City at age I just really enjoyed his company he s just friendly and open and I would say that when you re talking to him he pays close attention He s a good listener Henning declared And that s one of the things he keeps calling the church to do for all of us to be better listeners listening to every perspective listening for the holy sprit We see that fundamental humility We see a man who has spent his life paying attention to the folks the world usually overlooks Henning continued This is the first time in decades Boston will not place a vote for a new pope Henning cannot vote as he is not a cardinal The former head of the Boston Archdiocese Cardinal Sean O Malley participated in the conclave but will not be able to vote this year due to his age Only cardinals under the age of can vote and O Malley turned in June Boston Mayor Michelle Wu a practicing Roman Catholic visited the Vatican in May for a context summit On Monday she spoke on Francis legacy He was the epitome of compassion and humility and inevitably reminded us with everything he did every declaration every action of fundamental Christian values to seek peace to care for the vulnerable and to take care of the treasure of our shared planet and this common home that we have Wu announced Boston is known as a city with a large Catholic population and presence On Monday a great number of local Catholics attended Mass and prayed for Francis It s sad I was really sad It s not only me the whole world is sad The whole world It s terrible It s a terrible situation All I can say again God rest his soul disclosed local Carl Kazaka Mark Castera expressed his sadness at the pope s passing Monday I think his humility I think he was a great leader but also a very level-headed person and also just really down to Earth Castera revealed Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also issued a declaration regarding the pope s death I am forever grateful for the honor to have met Pope Francis and been touched by his warmth kindness and humor His life was a commitment to our sacred responsibility to care for others especially the the greater part vulnerable among us Healey commented She went on to say that the Catholic Church is more inclusive and welcoming thanks to Pope Francis