Belleville bishop, Illinois leaders mourn Pope Francis who promoted peace

The Belleville bishop, Illinois governor and other state and federal elected officials are mourning Pope Francis’ death on Easter Monday and calling for peace and empathy in his memory.

The Belleville Diocese had a memorial Mass Monday night at the Cathedral of St. Peter in downtown Belleville.

Read the full statements from Illinois leaders about the legacy of Pope Francis, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

Belleville Bishop and Omaha Archbishop-elect Michael G. McGovern:

“Today, Easter Monday, Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88. For many years he generously served the Lord as a Jesuit priest, then as a bishop and cardinal of the Catholic Church. Throughout his life Jorge Mario Bergoglio said ‘yes’ to God’s call and allowed himself to be led by the Lord, all of which prepared him to accept his election as pope by the College of Cardinals on March 13, 2013.

“Today we pray to God expressing our gratitude for the life, ministry and service of Pope Francis. For the twelve years he served as Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis displayed the heart of a good shepherd in his outreach to the poor and suffering of the world. He worked tirelessly to promote peace and reconciliation at every level of life.

“I invite the Catholic community of southern Illinois, as well as all people of good will, to join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, and the gift of consolation for his family and all who mourn his passing. May the Risen Christ, whom Pope Francis loved and served with devotion, grant him a place in his heavenly kingdom.”

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois:

“We have lost the messenger, but we must hold fast to the message of Pope Francis to love and respect one another. In a world of hate and fear, Pope Francis’ message of peace and understanding is needed now more than ever.

“We should honor the Pope with a ‘Francis Day’ of world peace: stop the bombing in Ukraine and Gaza; feed the dying in Sudan and around the globe; and show kindness to one another.”

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois:

“Pope Francis was a pillar of the Catholic Church, a beacon of hope, compassion and light in times of fear, hatred and darkness. Throughout his life, he taught us that in order to be great, we have to be good. He urged each of us to care for the poor, feed the hungry, be humble stewards of the Earth and treat others how we would want to be treated ourselves—even if they pray or live differently than us. His teachings remain as important as ever.

“May he rest in peace and may his spirit continue to uplift and guide all those who followed his sacred word.”

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield:

“I join millions in mourning Pope Francis, who inspired us with his moral clarity and compassionate leadership. His legacy will live on forever as a call to serve our neighbors and build a more peaceful world. May he rest in peace.”

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker:

“Pope Francis showed the world how to lead with empathy and humility.

“Extending a hand to help anyone in need, ‘the People’s Pope’ inspired millions who drew strength and compassion from him to embrace peace.

“May his memory be a blessing.”

Springfield Bishop Thomas John Paprocki:

“Today, our church mourns and prays. Pope Francis showed what it means to be a witness of love. This is beautifully reflected is his fourth and final Encyclical Letter, issued October 24, 2024, Dilexit nos, Latin for ‘He loved us,’ quoting Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans, in which he wrote that Christians can overcome all adversities through Him [Jesus] who loved us’ (Romans 8:37).

“Pope Francis challenged the world daily through his words and actions that we are all called to something greater, not of this world, but the next. His life was a testament that if we are to go to heaven, we must embrace our crosses and sacrifices, and we must live an authentic Catholic life. That means we must show empathy, compassion, and love to our neighbors. We must live humbly and selflessly. We are called to care for the poor, the afflicted, the sick, and the marginalized. Finally, we must pray, hold true to the Gospels, and participate in the greatest treasure Jesus gave to us: His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – present in the Holy Eucharist at Mass.

“I had the honor of meeting Pope Francis during my ad limina visit in Vatican City in 2019. I was struck by his joy. He spoke to me and my brother bishops not as a boss, but as a fellow ‘apostle,’ tasked with the same mission all priests have – to passionately advance our faith.

“As I look back on his pontificate, one of the most powerful scenes I have witnessed occurred in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Vatican City, against a backdrop of St. Peter’s Basilica, heavy rain, darkening skies, and not a soul around, Pope Francis prayed for the world, holding up the Blessed Sacrament during his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ (To the City and the World) blessing. Pope Francis taught us in that powerful moment that amongst all the trials, fear, uncertainty, stresses, violence, and hatred in this world, we must always turn to God, praying with a heart of full of love and hope, saying, ‘Jesus, I trust in You.’

“We are united as people of faith, praying for his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, our Church, and that the Holy Spirit will guide us in the upcoming conclave when cardinals meet to choose Pope Francis’ successor.”

This story was originally published April 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM.