In the hours following the death of Pope Francis, Utah political and religious leaders are sharing their condolences and remembering a man who broke norms around the world.
Utah Sen. John Curtis reflected on the Pope's empathy and ability to connect with billions in and out of the Catholic religion.
"Pope Francis lived an exemplary life marked by humility and compassion — blessing countless lives with his service and leadership," Curtis wrote in a statement. "As we mourn his loss, Sue and I pray for those who turned to him for guidance and encouragement, including those in Utah’s Catholic community."
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also shared a message following Pope Francis's death.
Pope Francis, leader of Catholic Church, dies at age 88:
"His courageous and compassionate leadership has blessed countless lives. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who looked to him for inspiration and counsel," the Church said. "As the world pauses to remember his example of forgiveness and service, we feel deep gratitude for the goodness of a life well lived and rejoice in the hope of a glorious resurrection made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.”
In its release on Monday, the Church shared photos of the Pope meeting President Russell M. Nelson in 2019, an historic visit marking the first time an LDS leader had a formal audience with any pope.
“We had a most cordial, unforgettable experience with His Holiness," said President Russell of the meeting. "He was most gracious and warm and welcoming. What a sweet, wonderful man he is, and how fortunate the Catholic people are to have such a gracious, concerned, loving, and capable leader.”
Despite the Pope's death being announced in the middle of the night, the news immediately reached Catholic leaders in Salt Lake City who expressed shock.
Father Martin Diaz, pastor and rector of the Cathedral of the Madeleine was up at 2 a.m. and said he was stunned when he first heard Pope Francis had passed.
"I stopped, said a prayer. Thought about him," Father Diaz said, "thought about his great legacy of the work that he's done for these past 12 years for the church and before, of course, but as the Pope as he has led us in a way that, to serve the poor, to see the people who are on the periphery, to know that those are the very ones that Jesus reached out to in a very special way. I think the Pope has led us to be a universal church, a church for everyone, welcoming everyone."
The Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City shared a message about the Pope's death in a statement released Monday afternoon.
"I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Our Holy Father, coming the day after the most joyous morning of Easter. We pray that Our Lord, in His mercy, welcomes Pope Francis into His eternal Kingdom of rest, happiness and peace," said Rev. Oscar A. Solis, Bishop of Salt Lake City. "We have lost our humble shepherd, but even as we mourn, we remember his remarkable contributions to our Church and the world. Pope Francis spoke so often of the joy of the Gospel, and he repeatedly called us to share that Good News, the universal love and mercy of God to all people, especially with those living on the margins: the migrant, the poor, the lost and the least."
The Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah issued a statement of condolences after the death of the Pope.
"The Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple joins the global community in mourning the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis, a beacon of compassion, humility, and unity. His unwavering dedication to peace, interfaith harmony, and the upliftment of the marginalized touched countless lives across all faiths and cultures."
