Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff across New York in tribute to Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88.
Flags will remain lowered until the day of the pope’s funeral. Hochul praised the pontiff’s legacy of compassion, climate advocacy, and commitment to social justice.
“Pope Francis led with humility and inclusivity,” Hochul said. “He reminded us of our collective responsibility to care for the poor, the planet, and each other.”
A papacy rooted in service and change
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first pope from Latin America and the first non-European pope in over 1,200 years. Elected in 2013, his 12-year papacy focused on:
- Helping the poor and marginalized
- Promoting interfaith peace
- Confronting climate change
- Modernizing the Church’s global leadership
In 2024, Hochul visited the Vatican and attended a Pontifical Summit on Climate Change, where Pope Francis urged world leaders to prioritize environmental and humanitarian issues.
A shift in Catholic leadership
Pope Francis significantly reshaped the College of Cardinals, elevating voices from outside Europe. Of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope:
- 18% are from Asia-Pacific (up from 10% in 2013)
- 12% from Sub-Saharan Africa (up from 8%)
- 18% from Latin America and the Caribbean
- 3% from the Middle East and North Africa
- 40% from Europe (down from 51%)
- 10% from North America (down from 12%)
Francis appointed 108 of the 135 voting-age cardinals—about 80% of the electorate.
Despite these efforts, Europe remains overrepresented in the College of Cardinals relative to its share of the global Catholic population. As of 2022, only 21% of Catholics lived in Europe, yet the continent holds 40% of the voting cardinals. In contrast, Latin America, home to 41% of the world’s Catholics, has just 18% of voting cardinals.
A global figure mourned in New York
Governor Hochul’s tribute underscores the pope’s impact across religious and political boundaries. His emphasis on unity, justice, and human dignity resonated beyond the Church.
“He transcended religion,” Hochul said. “His message was simple: love your neighbor, protect the planet, and serve the most vulnerable.”
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