GLENSIDE, Pa. – Following the passing of Pope Francis early this morning, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement:
“Today, I join millions across the globe in mourning the loss of Pope Francis — a man of focus, faith, and service, who ceaselessly advocated for the planet and the poor. Rarely have we seen someone live their faith — their devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ — with such humility and joy.
I had the extraordinary opportunity to meet twice with Pope Francis — first during his 2015 visit to the Curran-Fromhold prison in Philadelphia, and again last April, when I visited the Vatican alongside a group of bipartisan lawmakers. I will never forget the warmth and kindness he displayed on both occasions, and I carry those remarkable moments with me.
He embodied goodness. He lived humility. He exuded joy.
Pope Francis saw the face of God in all humanity — in every face — and he used his voice to advocate for compassion and mercy. In his final Easter message yesterday, Pope Francis prayed for an end to the destruction in Gaza; he called for a ceasefire alongside the release of the remaining hostages and immediate humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
The Pope ended his Easter message with a simple exhortation: “May the principle of humanity never fail to be the hallmark of our daily actions.”
Pope Francis led the Catholic Church with this principle every day. He urged us to be thoughtful stewards of this planet. He reminded us to care for the sick, the poor, and the vulnerable. And he implored every one of us to live our lives with the grace, mercy, and love of Christ.
May we continue his legacy. And may he rest in peace.”
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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