Governor declares 3 days of mourning for Pope Francis

Island spiritual, political leaders praise ‘transformative’ pontiff for his ‘profound humility,’ ‘legacy of love and solidarity,’ and ‘enduring legacy of compassion, justice, and reconciliation’

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis, washes the feet of young patients suffering from terminal illnesses, at a pediatric hospital in Buenos Aires in March 2013. (Pablo Cerolini/Clarin via The New York Times)

By The Star Staff

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Monday declared three days of mourning for the loss of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff to lead the Catholic Church, who died in the early morning hours at age 88.

In a gesture of respect, the governor ordered flags at all government offices to be flown at half-staff during this period.

“Puerto Rico stands united in mourning alongside millions of believers and admirers around the globe following the passing of Pope Francis,” González Colón said. “His profound humility, unwavering sense of social justice, and his extraordinary ability to connect with the hearts of individuals -- especially those who are most vulnerable and marginalized -- radically transformed how many perceive spiritual leadership. I vividly recall sharing one of his reflections in 2015 that struck a chord with me: ‘Politics is an eminent form of charity.’ I embraced these words as a guiding principle, always remembering that serving the public is inherently an act of love.”

In the face of the devastating disasters that struck in 2017, “the community endured unimaginable hardships,” the governor said, “and throughout it all, Pope Francis remained a source of spiritual support.”

“After Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged our land, he sent Cardinal Blase Cupich as his personal representative to offer his comforting presence and solidarity to the people of Puerto Rico during our time of need,” González Colón said. “His compassionate gesture -- an act of love from the Holy Father -- accompanied us through our grief and recovery, providing us with much-needed hope. Additionally, he offered prayers for our community following the 2020 earthquakes and, more recently, during Hurricane Fiona in 2022, expressing his heartfelt sorrow and urging the international community to remember Puerto Rico in their thoughts and prayers.”

“Today, as we honor his remarkable memory and lasting legacy, we reflect on his steadfast defense of life, his deep empathy for the underprivileged, and his courageous willingness to proclaim the truth with tenderness,” the governor said. “These are virtues that will undoubtedly continue to inspire our actions. Pope Francis demonstrated to the world that a Latino of humble beginnings could indeed change the course of history through faith and unwavering conviction. May the good shepherd, who walked alongside his flock, find eternal peace.”

Shelly Guadelupe, center, from Puerto Rico, reacts as Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was to be called Francis I, speaks at the Vatican via a live TV broadcast for the first time as pope, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, March 13, 2013. (Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times)

In response to the news of the death of Pope Francis, the LGBTQ+ Federation of Puerto Rico expressed profound sadness, acknowledging the Argentinean pontiff as an unwavering ally of LGBTQ+ individuals.

“We are filled with deep sorrow at the passing of the most transformative Pope in the history of humanity,” said Pedro Julio Serrano, president of the LGBTQ+ Federation, in a written statement. “Throughout his life and pontificate, Pope Francis championed the equity, humanity, and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals. We celebrate not only his life but also his legacy of love and solidarity, urging political and religious leaders to emulate his example.”

“The evolution of the Catholic Church under his leadership was remarkable -- from his groundbreaking and powerful assertion, ‘If a person is gay, who am I to judge?’ to his historic authorization allowing priests to bless same-sex couples,” the activist noted. “He openly supported the legal recognition of civil unions for same-sex couples and welcomed trans individuals into the Vatican, where he met with them, allowed their baptisms, recognized them as godparents, and even washed their feet during the Holy Thursday ceremony, reflecting his commitment to service and humility.”

“While here in Puerto Rico, elected officials engage in disputes over who poses the greatest threat to LGBTQ+ individuals, Pope Francis boldly defied centuries of tradition to extend understanding and acceptance within the Catholic Church,” Serrano added. “My hope is that his successor will continue this path of genuine love and solidarity, and that fundamentalist religious and political leaders in Puerto Rico will cease their persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals. This is my sincere prayer in honor of Pope Francis.”

Evangelical pastor José Santiago, leader of the Monte Santo House of Prayer Church in Cataño, also shared his deep sorrow upon hearing the news of Pope Francis’ death, extending his heartfelt solidarity to all Catholic brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and beyond.

“Pope Francis was a transformative leader, inviting the world to embrace humility and authenticity,” he said. “He encouraged us to live sincerely while rejecting spiritual hypocrisy. At this moment in history, the world must remember and embody these teachings.”

As the first Jesuit and Latin American pope, Francis was widely celebrated for his dedication to social justice, inclusion, and his unwavering call to build bridges between individuals, irrespective of their beliefs, the pastor noted.

“In a world that is so fragmented and wounded, it is crucial to celebrate his life and perpetuate his example,” he said. “Our Church promotes love as a reflection of God, and Francis was a living testament to that love. It is time for us to unite in prayer and follow his enduring legacy of compassion, justice, and reconciliation.”

Pastor Santiago reiterated his solidarity with the Catholic community while calling on believers everywhere to embody genuine love, “much like Pope Francis exemplified throughout his revered pontificate.”

The Dignity Project (Proyecto Dignidad) political party, meanwhile, recognized the passing of Pope Francis and the pain his loss causes the Catholic faithful.

“A significant and important part of our society viewed him and appreciated him as their spiritual leader. Our condolences go out to them, as well as to his family,” said Dr. César Vázquez Muñiz, president of the Dignity Project. “Beyond his stances, he was assertive and courageous in defending what he believed to be right. He was able to speak out on controversial issues, and we saw his determination to stand on the side of the weak and vulnerable. His stance against war was firm and consistent. We pray that God will bring peace, comfort, and direction to the Church in this difficult time.”