Detroit Evening Report: Michigan leaders reflect on the loss of Pope Francis, a ‘powerful, prophetic and loving voice’
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People pray near a picture of Pope Francis inside the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Philadelphia.
Several Michigan leaders released statements today in response to the news of Pope Francis’ death, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Archbishop Edward Weisenburger.
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The leader of the Roman Catholic Church died on Monday morning at the age of 88. Francis was the first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit in the position.
Weisenburger called Pope Francis “a powerful, prophetic and loving voice,” adding that he strongly believed that people had a responsibility to care for creation, not destroy it. He also said the pontiff’s call for peace echoed that of Christ.
In a statement, Whitmer called Francis an “inspiration to countless Michiganders and people around the world” who “led with grace, compassion, and humility.”
“He reminded us that the true measure of one’s devotion to God comes in one’s devotion to others,” she said. “Pope Francis was a leader who called on all of us to live up to our better selves.”
Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said “Pope Francis was a compassionate leader who fought for forgotten communities and made a difference for people all over the world,” suggesting that we celebrate his legacy by “pledging to follow in his footsteps and work together to build a brighter future for the state we love.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called Pope Francis a “once-in-a generation leader whose humility, compassion, and thoughtfulness impacted people from all religious backgrounds and walks of life.”
The Vatican said Francis suffered a stroke which led to a coma and irreverible heart failure, as he recovered from a five-week hospitalization for double pneumonia. His funeral and burial at St. Mary Major basilica across town are expected over the weekend.
–Reporting by Pat Batcheller, WDET News. WDET’s Jenny Sherman and Associated Press writer Nicole Winfield contributed.
Other headlines for Monday, April 21, 2025:
- Addiction researchers at the University of Michigan are starting a study this year that will pay smokers of menthol cigarettes to quit.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging people to get vaccinated during National Infant Immunization Week, April 21-28.
- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced a $8.1 million investment in renewable energy that will support solar power projects for almost two million Michigan households and businesses.
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