Hochul directs state flags to be lowered in honor of His Holiness Pope Francis

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor the life and legacy of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away today at the age of 88.

“I join everyone around the world in mourning the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis, as his leadership transcended religious boundaries,” Hochul said. “He embodied the values Christ taught us every day: helping the less fortunate, calling for peace, and ensuring every person is treated as a child of God. Pope Francis led with compassion, humility and inclusivity, emphasizing that God does not disown any of his children, and reminded us of our collective responsibility to protect this beautiful planet, our shared home. We should all strive to carry on his legacy.”

Last year, Hochul visited the Vatican to deliver remarks at a pontifical summit to discuss climate change. Pope Francis delivered an address calling on the world to take care of the most vulnerable in our society.

Flags will be lowered from Monday, April 21, through the day of his funeral service.

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The 266^th pope and former Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was appointed to the Catholic Church’s highest office on March 13, 2013.

In a social media post, the Most Rev. Michael W. Fisher, Buffalo Catholic Diocese bishop, shared, “With heavy hearts and profound gratitude, we commend to our loving and one true God the soul of Pope Francis, the good and faithful ‘Servant of Servants’ who guided our Universal Church and the Catholic faithful these past 12 years. Pope Francis’ example of humility and simplicity, his constant call to seek peace, and his openness to all will forever remind us of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, whom he mirrored in spirit and throughout his long and devoted life as a faithful layman, priest, bishop and pontiff.

“In this, the Jubilee Year that the Holy Father inaugurated, may we honor Pope Francis and indeed be true ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ on our pilgrimage toward renewal and reconciliation. May we be constantly inspired by his pursuit of holiness, his warmth, humor, keen insights into the mysteries and traditions of our faith, and most especially, by his love for all without scorn and judgment.

“We also humbly appeal to the Holy Spirit to now guide the cardinals of our church as they prepare to select the successor to Pope Francis. May their only motive be to choose one among them who is possessed with great holiness, compassion, wisdom and courage, and best suited to now lead our Church forward in this complex and difficult age.

“Eternal rest grant unto your servant Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace.”

In a message to the Niagara University community, the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president, said, “As the leader of the global Catholic Church, Pope Francis touched the hearts and minds of millions through his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice, mercy, and the dignity of all people.

“Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis exemplified the very spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, whose legacy inspires our mission here at Niagara. His dedication to serving the poor, advocating for the marginalized, and urging us to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts has been a guiding light in our world. His life was a testament to the transformative power of love, faith, and courageous leadership.”

President Donald Trump shared, “As a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, by the authority vested in me as president of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”