NY reacts to Pope Francis death: ‘kindness, grace and faith’

NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – New York City is joining the world in mourning Pope Francis, who died Monday at the age of 88. 

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the pope’s death Monday. Pope Francis recently battled severe illness. Flags have been lowered at half-staff at New York City buildings after the pope's death.

Speaking to reporters Monday morning, Cardinal Timothy Dolan expressed sadness, but gratitude for cherished memories of the pope. Dolan will soon participate in a conclave to elect the new pope, as he did in 2013 to elect Pope Francis.

"We have vivid, grateful memories of him,” Dolan said. “The way he lived and the way he died, he was a great teacher.”

Standing among gifts and other memorabilia from the pope's last visit to New York City, Dolan remembered the pope as a humble and accessible leader.

"There was a humility and a sense of humor there from the beginning," Dolan said. “He'd be the first to admit that perhaps the abundant gifts that God had given him were evident …In his simplicity, in his humility, in his easy goingness. These were gifts that he stewarded so well.”c

In a statement, Mayor Eric Adams remembered his trip to meet the pope in May, 2024. 

“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,” Mayor Eric Adams said.  

Adams honored the pope as a strong leader who led with kindness. 

“Pope Francis led with kindness, grace, and faith as he helped build a better world and unite all people, regardless of their background,” Adams said.