Congressman García’s Statement on the Passing of Pope Francis

CHICAGO - Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis:

"Today Catholics, and the world have lost a leader who defined his papacy by his humility and humanity. Pope Francis' progressive legacy expands past the Church, being an advocate for peace for every person and community across the world. His perspective on interfaith dialogue and social justice paved the way for positive reforms in the Catholic community. He consistently drew attention to the plight of the poor and warned against a 'culture of indifference' towards marginalized populations. He condemned the criminalization and deportation of immigrants and approved several measures that made the Catholic church more accepting of LGBTQ+ people. He condemned the bombing of civilians in Gaza. In 2015, he called for the world to take action against global warming and environmental degradation in his second encyclical Laudato Si'. Through his sympathy and social consciousness, he emphasized the importance of humanitarianism and revitalized the hope of many. He was particularly loved in the Latino Catholic community as the first Pope of Latin American origin.

"My social values have and will always be tied to my upbringing as a Catholic, and I will remember Pope Francis as a leader deeply committed to faith and justice. May he rest in peace."

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