Garamendi statement on the passing of Pope Francis 

Congressman John Garamendi released the following statement in response to the death of Pope Francis.

“Patti and I were devastated by the passing of Pope Francis who was the first Jesuit and Latino to lead the Church,” Garamendi wrote. “Throughout his historic tenure, His Holiness truly embodied the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi by giving himself to the poor, advocating for peace, and offering aid to the people of Gaza. He was also outspoken against President Trump’s cruel mass deportation and on the existential threat of climate change.

“Pope Francis’s passing comes one day after his powerful Easter message calling for peace around the world, where he reminded us that “we were not made for death, but for life.” While the world mourns Pope Francis, his moral, visionary, and groundbreaking legacy will live on for generations to come.”