Upper Peninsula Catholics, along with other Christians, are mourning the death of Pope Francis.
Francis died early this morning at age 88. He had recently returned to the Vatican after a month in the hospital dealing pneumonia and related issues.
Most Reverend John F. Doerfler, the Bishop of Marquette, issued the following statement:
Along with Catholics throughout the world, we mourn the death and pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. His pontificate was marked with deep concern for suffering people on the fringes of society. Let our own hearts be so opened to those in our midst who need love and care. God is rich in mercy, as Pope Francis so often reminded us. Thus, as we prepare for the feast of Divine Mercy on Sunday, let us commend Pope Francis to the mercy of God, trust in God’s mercy for us, and be merciful to one another. May Pope Francis rest in peace.
A humble and modest man, the Pontiff recently ordered that his funeral be downsized, to remove much of the pomp. He elected not to be buried at St. Peter’s Cathedral with many other popes, but will be laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome.
Cardinals from around the world will soon gather at the Vatican to elect Francis’ successor.
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