ME HP1242

Joint resolution by the 132nd Maine State Legislature honoring Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina; ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969 and ascended to the papacy on March 13, 2013, becoming the first Latin American pope

Served nearly 13 years as pope, focusing on mercy, care for creation, and attention to marginalized populations; canonized 942 saints during his pontificate

Published 4 encyclicals, 7 apostolic exhortations, and 75 motu proprio documents during his papacy

Resolution formally honors his memory and legacy of service to those most in need on behalf of the people of Maine