Kentucky religious, political leaders react to Pope Francis’ death
Tributes from Kentucky leaders poured in shortly after the news of Pope Francis’ death was announced Monday morning.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced Pope Francis’ death from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, according to the Associated Press. Farrell said Francis died at 7:35 a.m. Monday at the age of 88.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church,” Farrell said in the statement, posted by the AP. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Triune.’’
Just one day earlier, Francis greeted thousands of Catholics while riding in the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square, according to Reuters. It was the first time Francis made a public appearance since battling a case of double pneumonia, which hospitalized him for five weeks.
Francis also briefly met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance Sunday, who has been visiting Italy over the weekend, according to Reuters. Vance said it was obvious Francis was very ill, but he was happy to see him.
“I’ll always remember him for the... homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful,” Vance said on X.
Pope Francis was the first pope from the Americas, according to NBC News. He also had opinions that were often not shared by other church leaders.
In 2023, he formally allowed priests to begin blessing same-sex couples, despite continuing to oppose gay marriage, according to NBC News. He also showed support for immigrants and criticized President Donald Trump’s attempt to prevent immigrants from fleeing to the United States.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear posted a tribute to Pope Francis on X, calling him “The People’s Pope” for his displays of kindness and mercy.
“He led by example, and his humility and dedication to God brought people together,” Beshear said on X. “His loss is great, but his impact is greater.”
Father Jim Sichko, a papal Missionary of Mercy who lives in Central Kentucky, posted several photos of Pope Francis on his social media accounts. Sichko has previously delivered Kentucky-themed gifts to Pope Francis, such as a University of Kentucky basketball jersey, a customized pair of Nike Blazer Mid ‘77s and a personalized bottle of Bulleit Bourbon signed by UK football coach Mark Stoops.
In a statement, Sichko said Francis was shepherd of deep compassion, unwavering humility and boundless mercy.
“Pope Francis embodied the very heart of Christ for our time,” Sichko said in a statement. “His love for the poor, the forgotten, and the broken opened the doors of the Church wider than ever before, reminding us all that mercy is not a concept — it is a way of life.”
“As a Papal Missionary of Mercy, personally commissioned by Pope Francis, I am profoundly grateful for his trust, his witness, and his fatherly love. While his physical presence among us has come to a close, the mission he so passionately championed—God’s mission of Mercy—lives and continues on.”
Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell said he is mourning the loss of Francis.
“From the beginning of his papacy, the Holy Father invited Christians from every walk of life to more fully embrace the call to care for the vulnerable, including the unborn and the poorest among us,” McConnell said on X. “He reminded us by word and deed that we are all called to lives of faithful service”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg also expressed sadness about the pope’s death.
“He lived an incredible life full of humility and compassion and will always be remembered as a champion for people experiencing poverty across the world,” Greenberg said on X. “May his memory be a blessing.”
Rep. Morgan McGarvey said he is one of the millions mourning Francis’ loss.
“Today, I join millions in mourning his passing. His legacy calls on each of us to treat all of our neighbors with compassion and lift up our most vulnerable,” McGarvey said on X.
Former Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari, said Francis will be missed by Catholics around the world.
“He was a Pope for social justice for the poor and many firsts,” Calipari said on X. “Lived a humble life right to the end and never forgot his roots. He will be missed by all of us Catholics around the world.”
This story was originally published April 21, 2025 at 8:54 AM.
