Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, April 21, directed flags to be lowered at half-staff to honor the life and legacy of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at 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,” she added. “We should all strive to carry on his legacy.”
Last year, Gov. Hochul visited the Vatican to deliver remarks at a Pontifical Summit to discuss climate change, where Pope Francis delivered an address calling on the world to take care of the most vulnerable in our society.
The governor said flags will be lowered from Monday, April 21 through the day of the pope’s funeral service.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said: “It is with great sadness that I mourn with billions around the world after learning of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
“As someone deeply connected to my faith and who represents a city of millions of Catholics, my visit to the Vatican to meet with and hear directly from Pope Francis last year was one of the most sacred and special moments of my life,” he said.
“Pope Francis led with kindness, grace, and faith as he helped build a better world and unite all people, regardless of their background,” the mayor added. “His decades of spreading peace and love will forever be remembered.”
Adams also ordered all flags on all city buildings, as well as stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs, to be lowered to half-staff, beginning immediately.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson said she was “heartbroken by the passing of Pope Francis—a global beacon of compassion, humility, and justice.
“Our prayers are with the Catholic community in the Bronx and around the world during this time of mourning,” said the daughter of a Trinidadian immigrant father.
