‘A servant of Christ and the Church’: Nebraska leaders react to death of Pope Francis

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A slew of Nebraska leaders released statements Monday morning regarding the death of Pope Francis.

Bishop James Conley with the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln said the impact of Pope Francis’ work will be felt “for many years to come.”

“He was constantly encouraging us to reach out to those on the peripheries of our society who may be ignored, forgotten and disregarded,” Conley wrote on Facebook. “He wanted those people to know they are the Church, too, and will always be welcome.”

The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln is holding a memorial mass for Pope Francis on Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ.  The mass begins at 5 p.m.

In a post on X, Sen. Pete Ricketts said Pope Francis will be remembered “as a servant of Christ and the Church.”

“His life of humility and devotion to mercy will continue to inspire Catholics worldwide,” Ricketts wrote.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen echoed Ricketts’ sentiments, also noting that Pope Francis “dedicated his life” to being a servant of Christ.

Rep. Mike Flood stated the pope used his platform to encourage others to care for the “cause of the marginalized.”

“The Holy Father was a joyful man who loved people and worked to help them encounter the love of Christ no matter who they were and where they were from,” Flood said in a statement. “As his time on earth drew to a close, he demonstrated great courage as he endured illness, showing the world how to persevere and suffer well.”