New York State Governor and New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Monday released statements following statement on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, respectively.

“I join Catholics around the world in mourning the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Hochul said.

“Pope Francis embodied the values Christ taught us every day: helping the less fortunate, calling for peace, and ensuring every person is treated as a child of God. He led with compassion, humility, and inclusivity, emphasizing that God does not disown any of his children. He reminded us of our collective responsibility to protect this beautiful planet, our shared home. And he was a man of peace, and a fighter for social and economic justice.

“Last year I was honored to be invited to the Vatican to deliver remarks at a Pontifical Summit to discuss climate change. His Holiness delivered a remarkable address calling on the world to save our planet and take care of the most vulnerable in our society. He then spoke individually to each of the leaders assembled, and blessed Bill and I on the occasion of our 40th wedding anniversary. It is a moment I will never forget.

“We should all strive to carry on his legacy. May His Holiness rest in peace,” Hochul said.

Adams, who identifies as Christian, said, “It is with great sadness that I mourn with billions around the world after learning of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. As someone deeply connected to my faith and who represents a city of millions of Catholics, my visit to the Vatican to meet with and hear directly from Pope Francis last year was one of the most sacred and special moments of my life. Pope Francis led with kindness, grace, and faith as he helped build a better world and unite all people, regardless of their background. His decades of spreading peace and love will forever be remembered.”

Adams ordered immediately that all flags on all city buildings, as well as stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs, to be lowered to half-staff.

Both Hochul and Adams met Pope Francis in 2024 during separate visits. Adams had an audience with the Pope on May 11, during a mayors’ conference in Rome. Hochul joined an audience with Pope Francis a few days later on May 16, when she participated in a climate change summit at the Vatican.