Elected officials across Mississippi are taking time to honor the life of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican who passed away at 88 on Monday.
Gov. Tate Reeves, in a social media post, said that “Mississippi is praying for him, as well as all Catholics across our state.” The Republican governor directed flags statewide to fly half-staff until sunset on the day of Pope Francis’ funeral and internment. The College of Cardinals announced Wednesday that the funeral will take place Saturday, April 27, as a weekslong process of allowing the church’s members to pay their final respects continues.
.@firstladyofms and I are saddened to learn of Pope Francis’ passing. Mississippi is praying for him, as well as all Catholics across our state.
In his honor, I’ve directed all flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of his internment.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) April 21, 2025
Reeves wasn’t the only Mississippi elected official to issue statements of support in the aftermath of Pope Francis’ passing. Others include U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Pope Francis. His life of faith and service touched hearts across the globe—including so many here in Mississippi. May he rest in eternal peace.
— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) April 21, 2025
Lynn and I are saddened today by the passing of Pope Francis. From humble beginnings as a Jesuit priest in Buenos Aires to his election as a spokesman for Christianity, he never forgot the less fortunate among us. Known as the People’s Pope, his example of caring for his fellow…
— Delbert Hosemann (@DelbertHosemann) April 21, 2025
Francis, who had been struggling with respiratory illness for months, died of a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure, according to the Vatican. Making history as the first Latin American pontiff upon being introduced as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, Francis was known as a gentle heart with concern for the poor, acceptance of the LGBTQ+ population, and emphasis on God’s mercy.
He made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, blessing thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and drawing a wild cheer from onlookers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.