Pope Francis Death: Texas leaders react to pontiff's passing

DALLAS - Millions of Catholics around the world are mourning the death of Pope Francis just a day after Easter.

The Vatican announced the pope died early Monday of a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and later heart failure.

Mourners gathered in Saint Peter's Square afterward for a rosary prayer vigil honoring the pope. His body will be transferred to Saint Peter's Basilica later this week for worshipers to pay their respects. 

Here's what leaders from North Texas and across the state had to say about Pope Francis' death.

Gov. Greg Abbott

"Cecilia and I join more than one billion Catholics across the globe to honor the legacy of Pope Francis," wrote Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement. "Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis led with a quiet strength and a servant's heart, reminding us of the value of human dignity. He was a bold and unwavering voice in defense of life, championing the unborn, the vulnerable, and the marginalized with conviction and compassion. Our hearts go out to all who join us in mourning his death and remembering the impact his teachings had upon their lives. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him."

Sen. Ted Cruz

"Heidi and I are saddened to learn of Pope Francis’s passing," wrote Sen. Ted Cruz on social media. "We are praying for our Catholic friends in Texas, across America, and around the world during this time of mourning. May he rest in the Lord’s eternal embrace.

Sen. John Cornyn

Texas Senator John Cornyn responded "RIP" on social media to a post from the Vatican. 

Bishop Edward Burns, Diocese of Dallas

A black shroud draped the doors of Cathedral Guadalupe in Downtown Dallas for a special mass on Monday honoring Pope Francis.

During the homily, Bishop Edward Burns talked about the timing of the 88-year-old's death during what is referred to as the Octave of Easter, or eight days of celebrating the resurrection. Catholic Church law dictates nine days of mourning for the pontiff's passing.

"My friends, we will always celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the joy that comes in knowing that he is risen. And I believe our holy father would want nothing else than that. I believe our holy father wouldn't want nothing else that even in his life, but now in his death he doesn't point to himself, but rather he points to our Lord Jesus Christ. He's shepherding us yet again even in his death," the bishop said.

The faithful Catholics who attended the midday mass to pay their respects said they were surprised to hear the news after seeing and hearing the pope on the news on Sunday.

Though his voice was weak and he appeared frail, he still blessed the crowd in Saint Peter's Square for Easter.

"Pope Francis served as a true shepherd, a universal shepherd. He lived his ministry with humility, compassion, and a boundless care for every soul. His love reached across borders, cultures, and differences, always pointing us toward mercy, hope, and the joy of the Gospel, especially for the poor, the members of the immigrant community, and the marginalized. The church has lost a remarkable leader, and the world a powerful witness to Christ's love," Bishop Burns said in a statement.

Bishop Michael Olson, Diocese of Fort Worth

Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson will celebrate two masses for Pope Francis this week.

"Please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis as we mourn his passing at the start of the Easter season. We mourn his passing with gratitude for his service to the Church and with hope in Christ's mercy," he said in a statement.

There will be an English service at Saint Patrick's Cathedral on Tuesday and a Spanish service on Wednesday at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Both services start at 6 p.m.

Rep. Monica De La Cruz

"I join millions in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America," said Rep. Monica De La Cruz. His deep faith, humility, and commitment to the dignity of every human life resonated with people across Texas and especially in our community, where many Catholics saw in him a shepherd who understood both the strength of tradition and the power of compassion. His service to the Church and witness to Christ will be remembered with gratitude. May he rest in eternal peace."

State Rep. Gina Hinojosa

"He was the pope of the poor & marginalized at a time when the allure of proximity to power entraps many," wrote State Rep. Gina Hinojosa on social media. "Pope Francis is missed & mourned."

State Rep. Lulu Flores

"In an era of near-daily displays of ego and hubris from public leaders, Pope Francis lived humbly, spoke softly, and embodied servant leadership," wrote State Rep. Lulu Flores on social media. "Leaders like Pope Francis are needed now more than ever. We should honor the Holy Father's legacy by living more humbly ourselves."

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