WASHINGTON — In 2015, Pope Francis visited Washington, where he became the first pontiff to address Congress.

After his address, then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and other leaders joined the pope on the House Speaker’s balcony, where the pope blessed the crowd below.

What You Need To Know

  • Pope Francis died Monday at 88 years old 

  • Across the world, mourners are paying tribute 

  • Several Kentucky lawmakers have shared their condolences 

  • Pope Francis became the first pontiff to address Congress when he visited Washington, D.C. in 2015 

In a 2015 video welcoming the pope to the Capitol, McConnell called the pope’s election “a new beginning for Catholics” and praised his “unique and engaging style.”

Pope Francis died at 88 years old on Monday.

“From the beginning of his papacy, the Holy Father invited Christians from every walk of life to more fully embrace the call to care for the vulnerable, including the unborn and the poorest among us,” McConnell said in a statement Monday. “He reminded us by word and deed that we are all called to lives of faithful service.”

Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, said Pope Francis will leave behind a legacy of moving not just the Catholic Church, but the world, toward being more compassionate to everyone.

“He visited migrants, he visited jails, he made sure that he ministered to everyone; and I think in doing so, showed all of us the worth of all people,” McGarvey said.

Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling Green, said in an online post:  

“Beth and I join billions of people across the world in mourning the loss of Pope Francis this morning. Pope Francis dedicated his life to God and he will be deeply missed.”

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