Florida political leaders mourn Pope Francis

Melania and Donald Trump with Pope Francis. Image via AP.

Political leaders are mourning the death of Pope Francis, the first leader of the Catholic Church who hailed from the Western Hemisphere.

Florida figures joined the world in remembering the Vatican head of state following his passing.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Miami Republican, posted: “On Easter Monday, Jeanette and I are saddened to the news of Pope Francis’ passing. We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff’s soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church. May He rest in peace.”

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Naples Republican, posted: “Ann and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace with God. We join in prayer with Catholics in Florida, America and around the world during this time. God Bless.”

U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, a Plant City Republican, posted: “Pope Francis impacted millions across the world with his leadership that was marked by service and humility. Today, Justin and I join the Catholic community worldwide in mourning and remembering his life of ministry. May he rest in peace.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Tallahassee Republican, posted: “Casey DeSantis and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Catholics in Florida and around the world, and we hope for a smooth transition for the Church. Rest in peace.”

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican, posted: “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. I join in prayer with Catholics throughout the world during this time. May he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal!”

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican, posted: “Pope Francis touched countless lives across every corner of the world. May he rest in peace.”

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Miramar Democrat, posted: “Pope Francis embodied the true meaning of faith and what it means to be a devoted servant of Jesus Christ. He will always be remembered for his deep compassion and the kindness he extended to the most vulnerable — both of which are qualities that we should all embrace. My thoughts are with the countless people around the world whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.”

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican, posted: “Erika and I join in prayer with Catholics mourning the death of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace.”

U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, a Panama City Republican, posted: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. I join my fellow Catholics in mourning his loss. May he rest in peace.”

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat, posted: “Pope Francis led with kindness and empathy, using his voice to advocate for those in need, strive for a more equitable and peaceful world, and call to protect our planet. May his memory be a blessing.”

U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, posted: “We mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a steadfast voice for faith and compassion. May he rest in peace.”

U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican, posted: “Lourdes and I are heartbroken with the passing of his sanctity Pope Francis. We were beyond blessed to have met Pope Francis personally in the Vatican on my wife Lourdes’ birthday. We join all of our fellow Catholic community in mourning his loss.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, an Indian Harbour Beach Republican, posted: “Praying for the Catholic faithful around the world as they grieve the death of Pope Francis. He led with mercy, simplicity, and strength, and his message of love and humility inspired countless.”

U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat, posted: “I join the world in grieving the loss of Pope Francis, a steadfast advocate for a more inclusive and peaceful world. May His Holiness rest in peace, and may we all strive to mirror his humility and empathy.”

U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican, posted: “Today, we mourn the loss of Pope Francis. May we be grateful for his life of humble service focused on the most needy of souls. Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord. I pray for the Cardinals who will soon elect the next Vicar of Christ and leader of the Holy Catholic Church.”

U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, posted: “Rest in peace, Pope Francis. To all Catholics and faithful followers around the world, I extend my deepest condolences as you grieve this profound loss. In this moment of sorrow, may your faith bring you peace, and may the strength of your community and shared beliefs offer comfort and hope.”

U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, posted: “Our dear Pope Francis has joined the angels today. He led with humility, passion and faith, expanded the church by inspiring others, and was a relentless advocate for all God’s children. We will miss him.”

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Miami-Dade Democrat, posted: “My heart goes out to the Catholic community and all who were inspired by Pope Francis as we mourn his passing. He was a humble champion for the poor, an advocate for the marginalized, and brought tremendous hope and compassion to millions worldwide. May he rest in peace and may the Lord place his guiding hand over the Vatican during this time.”

Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis, a Tallahassee Republican, posted: “Prayers for the passing of the Pope and for the Catholic faithful. As the people mourn his loss and the Church begins the sacred tradition of selecting a new pope, we pray for wisdom and unity among its leaders. May the Holy Spirit guide them to choose a shepherd who will uplift the faithful and lead with compassion and courage.”

State Sen. Danny Burgess, a Zephyrhills Republican, posted: “How beautiful is it that Pope Francis celebrated Easter Sunday with fellow Christians around the world yesterday. Rest in Peace, good and faithful servant.”

State Rep. Omar Blanco, a Miami Republican, posted: “We join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant of God whose life reflected grace, mercy, and faith. May his soul rest in the eternal peace of our Lord. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ — Matthew 25:23”

State Rep. Lindsay Cross, a St. Petersburg Democrat, posted: “Truly a man of God and of the people. RIP Pope Francis.”

State Rep. Tom Fabricio, a Miami Lakes Republican, posted: “Saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. His life of faith, humility, and service touched millions. We keep the Catholic Church and all who mourn his loss in our prayers. May he rest in peace.”

State Rep. Rita Harris, an Orlando Democrat, posted: “So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. A transformative Pope, who was an advocate for the marginalized and sought to make the church more inclusive.”

Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer, an Osceola Democrat, posted: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis. He was the only Hispanic Pope to lead the Catholic Church and to visit every country — Descanse en paz, Papa Francisco. Fue el único Papa Hispano que lideró la Iglesia Católica y visitó todos los países.”