The Catholic bishops and archbishop-elect of Nebraska offered their reactions Monday to the death of Pope Francis, who died Monday at 88.
The first of the reactions came from Bishop James Conley of Lincoln. He wrote the following message on Facebook this morning: “I am saddened by the news of the death of Pope Francis. The impact of his work for the Catholic Church will be felt for many years to come. His humility and kindness made him a “pope of the people.” He was constantly encouraging us to reach out to those on the peripheries of our society who may be ignored, forgotten and disregarded. He wanted those people to know they are the Church, too, and will always be welcome.
Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha had a brief statement on the Archdiocese’s website:
“I have received the news of the death of Pope Francis this morning with sadness. At the same time, I give thanks to God for his extraordinary life and ministry. His encouragement that we become missionary disciples, sharing the light of the gospel of Jesus especially with those at the peripheries, has shaped our pastoral vision in the Archdiocese of Omaha. Just yesterday, Pope Francis welcomed the crowds who celebrated Easter at St. Peter’s in Rome. We pray that he will now be welcomed by the saints of heaven and by the Lord Jesus, who is gloriously risen from the dead.”
His successor, Bishop Michael McGovern of Belleville, Illinois, offered a brief statement: “I invite the Catholic community of southern Illinois, as well as all people of good will, to join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, and the gift of consolation for his family and all who mourn his passing. May the Risen Christ, whom Pope Francis loved and served with devotion, grant him a place in his heavenly kingdom.”
Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt of the Diocese of Grand Island offered this message this morning: “This morning we were surprised to learn of the news of the death of Pope Francis on this day after Easter. In charity, let us remember him in our prayers entrusting his soul to God‘s mercy.
In this joyful Easter season, we rejoice in his life of faith and service to the Church. Having suffered in his health, especially most recently, we ask the Lord to welcome him into eternal rest and give him peace.
I encourage you to remember Pope Francis in your daily prayers between now and when his funeral takes place, perhaps praying the rosary for him as a family and in your other church groups, as well. Let us be united with the Church throughout the world in our kindness and respect for this beloved successor of Saint Peter.”
