Alaskan leaders react to Pope Francis’ death

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Many religious and state leaders in Alaska are reacting to the death of Pope Francis Monday morning, sharing their heartfelt condolences and the impact Francis had on their lives.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy wrote on social media that he and his wife, Rose, will be mourning the death of the pope.

“First lady Rose and I join with those around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis. As the leader of the Catholic Church, he spent his life in the service of God and the betterment of mankind. May God have mercy, and may he rest in peace,” Dunleavy said.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski recounted when Francis visited the United States in 2015 and addressed a joint session of Congress.

“During his visit to the U.S. in 2015, I was fortunate to briefly meet him ahead of his address to a Joint Session of Congress, where he blessed two rosaries I had brought from home,” Murkowski wrote.

“I join people throughout the world in prayer for Pope Francis, and for those tasked with selecting our next Pope. May we all strive to emulate his example of social justice to help make the world a better place for everyone.”

Sen. Dan Sullivan wrote on X that “the pope lived a life humility and service. May he rest in peace.”

The Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks announced it will hold two Memorial Masses on Monday evening and Wednesday evening, both at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Bishop Steven Maekawa will be leading the services. Maekawa was appointed as a bishop of the Fairbanks Diocese by Francis in 2023.

According to the Pew Research Center, 15% of adults in Alaska identify as Catholics as of 2023-2024.

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