Boston - Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis:

“I join with my fellow Catholics and people around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. His essence of compassion, humility and unbounded hope gave us joy, peace, direction and resolve. I am forever grateful for the honor to have met Pope Francis and been touched by his warmth, kindness and humor. His life was a commitment to our sacred responsibility to care for others, especially the most vulnerable among us. In no other realm was that more evident than his dedication to climate, human rights, immigrant communities and the working poor. He strove to make the Church more inclusive and welcoming, and he led by reminding us of the dignity and worth of every person. His being will endure in the hearts of those he inspired. May he rest in eternal peace.”