Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, released a statement Monday morning following the death of Pope Francis.
“I have received word that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died,” the statement read. “In this moment of profound loss for me personally and for the Church, I take this moment to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the gift of his papacy and to pray for the repose of his soul. The finest memorial we can offer is to re-form our hearts as Pope Francis asked – to see our brothers and sisters, to listen to them and to offer our prayers and actions that all may experience the fullness of God’s promise. As we mourn his passing, I ask that God comfort us, but also strengthen us to remain steadfast in carrying on the work of restoring our Church’s place in the world as a source of hope and an advocate for those in need.”
Francis appointed Cupich as archbishop of Chicago in 2014. He elevated him to cardinal two years later, placing Cupich among the Catholic leaders who will elect the next pope.
The date of the conclave has not yet been announced.
