Michigan Catholics, leaders react with sadness to the passing of Pope Francis

This is a developing story.

DETROIT – Following the announcement from the Vatican on the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, Catholic leaders and organizations from across Michigan have expressed their sadness at the loss of the pontiff, age 88, and offered their prayers.

The Diocese of Lansing released a statement from Bishop Earl Boyea expressing his sorrow and reflecting on the life and service of Pope Francis.

"When he took the name of Francis in 2013, Cardinal Bergoglio surprised many," Bishop Boyea wrote. "While Saint Francis of Assisi is admired by nearly the entire world and most people are aware of his incredible witness to Christ, very few seek even to dare to imitate him. Yet, Pope Francis has greatly succeeded in his intense devotion to the poor and marginalized to which Saint Francis dedicated much of his life.

"Those who are easily forgotten or ignored, Pope Francis has consistently placed before our eyes and hearts, challenging each of us to stretch and even break the boundaries we often set to our charity," Bishop Boyea continued.

Bishop Boyea pointed to the parallels of St. Francis of Assisi's poem, the Canticle of the Sun, and Pope Francis's charisms.

"Pope Francis has similarly seen in the faces of all those in need as well as the elements of nature itself as brothers and sisters. It is certain that Pope Francis has now hailed the end with these words of his model: 'Welcome, my sister death,'" Bishop Boyea wrote. "May Pope Francis rest in peace and may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace."

Bishop David Walkowiak of the Diocese of Grand Rapids said Pope Francis's passing during the Jubilee Year of Hope is fitting. He called him a "man of action" who is "an example for all people."

"Our hope in eternal life springs from our faith in the risen Lord," Bishop Walkowiak said. "Pope Francis sought to break down barriers and draw people into an encounter with Christ in the Catholic Church. Like Jesus, he served those whom the world often considered outcasts. He challenged priests to be shepherds with the ‘smell of the sheep,’ and constantly reminded us of the dignity of the unborn, migrants and refugees, and prisoners."

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," Bishop Francis Kalabat, Eparch of the Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle USA, based in Southfield, wrote in a Facebook post.

"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," Bishop Kalabat continued. "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

The Pope Francis Center in Detroit, which was renamed for the Pope in 2016, issued a statement on Facebook regarding the passing of its namesake.

"We are joining with millions of others in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, our namesake and spiritual guide. Our organization was renamed the Pope Francis Center in 2016 to reflect Francis’ deep compassion for the poor and marginalized. While we are saddened to know he is no longer with us on this earth, his devotion to service and accessibility to all will always be remembered in our daily work, as well as by the volunteers and guests who are part of our mission."

Michigan Catholic Conference president and CEO Paul Long offered the following reflection regarding the death of Pope Francis from Lansing:

“We join in prayer with the bishops in Michigan, and with Catholics all around the world, asking our Blessed Mother to intercede for the soul of Pope Francis to enter into the glory of eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Reflecting on the 12-year pontificate of Pope Francis, we are grateful for the Holy Father’s tireless voice of concern and advocacy for marginalized people across the world and in our communities. The pope encouraged not only Catholics but all people of goodwill to empathize more deeply, to look further into others’ hearts and understand their worries, their difficulties, and their joys.

“Today the world lost a leader and champion for the dignity of every single person, a pastor at heart who called for humankind to reject a throwaway culture that devalues and discards any perceived imperfection of human life. From the chair of Saint Peter, Pope Francis amplified Church teaching for elected leaders and those in positions of power to protect the elderly, the unborn, and the many migrants and refugees searching for a life free from violence and fear.

“We pray that the soul of Pope Francis will greet his predecessors and family, the Saints and angels, and all those he loves in our Father’s heavenly home. May perpetual light shine upon him O Lord, and may he rest in the glory and perfect happiness of eternal peace."

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan, based in Oakland County, expressed its "deep sadness," adding that the foundation "joins the global community in mourning the passing of Pope Francis — a dedicated servant of God, a tireless advocate for the marginalized, and a beacon of Christ’s peace.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement expressing her condolences and admiration for the late Pope.

"Pope Francis was an inspiration to countless Michiganders and people around the world. He led with grace, compassion, and humility," Whitmer wrote. "He fought against poverty and called for action on climate change, economic injustice, and peace. He reminded us that the true measure of one’s devotion to God comes in one’s devotion to others. Pope Francis was a leader who called on all of us to live up to our better selves. As we celebrate his life and mourn his death, let us live by the values he believed in—love, mercy, and compassion for all."