Nebraska officials react to death of Pope Francis

Local religious and political officials weighed in Monday on the death of Pope Francis.

Francis, who was the first pope from Latin America, died Monday after more than 12 years as head of the Catholic Church. He was 88.

Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln said Francis was a “pope of the people” due to his humility and kindness.

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

The Lincoln Diocese is planning to hold a memorial Mass for Pope Francis at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Blvd.

Outgoing Omaha Archbishop George Lucas thanked God for the pope’s “extraordinary life and ministry.”

“His encouragement that we become missionary disciples, sharing the light of the gospel of Jesus especially with those at the peripheries, has shaped our pastoral vision in the Archdiocese of Omaha,” Conley said in a statement.

First District Congressman Mike Flood said Pope Francis, “used his platform to reach out to the least among us and to encourage others to care for and take up the cause of the marginalized.”

Flood, who is Catholic, called Francis “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”

Sen. Pete Ricketts, who is also Catholic, said 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.”

Gov. Jim Pillen, who is Catholic as well, ordered flags in the state to fly at half-staff until sunset on the day of the pope's interment.

“Pope Francis devoted his life to being a servant of Christ," Pillen said in a statement. "First Lady Suzanne and I are saddened by his passing."