PROVIDENCE, RI -- U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis, 88, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, who was elected to the papacy on March 13, 2013, becoming the first person from the Southern Hemisphere to hold the papacy:

“I join people of all faiths in mourning the loss of Pope Francis.  His dynamic leadership, humility, compassion, and care for the downtrodden resonate widely and continue to inspire.  A man of great wisdom, courage, and faith, his life and ministry are marked by love, devotion, and a commitment to bringing people together and promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding.  His selfless example continues to resonate and inspire.”