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The passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday comes at a time of unprecedented challenges for global leadership. We, the elected members of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee who serve on LGBTQIA+ Outreach, remember Pope Francis’s legacy of bridging divides between people all over the world, reserving a special place for migrants, the LGBT, and other marginalized communities.

“Pope Francis was a leader who chose bridges over barriers. His commitment to peace, humility, and human dignity offered hope to millions – especially those of us long pushed to the margins. He reminded the world that faith can be a force for inclusion,” recounts Dallas Ducar, Democratic State Committeewoman and Trans Healthcare Policy Advocate, “May his legacy call us all to build a more just and loving future.”

Over his twelve years of service, Pope Francis transformed Church culture to be more accepting of the LGBT community becoming the first pontiff to “apologize” for the past treatment of the LGBT community, to publicly support same-sex civil unions, to oppose discrimination, and to make it possible for transgender people to be baptized as Catholics. Most famously, Pope Francis is remembered for saying, “Who am I to judge?” in 2013, setting a tone of acceptance towards the LGBT community, which continued throughout his tenure.

Democratic National Committeewoman Karen Payne also remembers Pope Francis as a positive example of global leadership: “Throughout his life, Pope Francis deeply understood his role in the world – as a servant to the people and a voice for the voiceless. He dedicated himself to uplifting the poor, championing social and economic justice, and promoting unity across communities and cultures. With compassion at his core, he committed himself wholeheartedly to bringing people together, fostering dialogue, peace, and understanding. He embraced the marginalized with genuine kindness and humility, reminding the world of the power of love and inclusion. His legacy of service and compassion will forever be remembered and cherished by people around the globe.”

Thomas McGrath, Democratic State Committeeman representing the First Middlesex District, remembers Pope Francis as “a real trailblazer in reaching out to the LGBTQIA+ community.” Justin Klekota, Democratic State Committeeman representing the Second Middlesex District, concurs: “Pope Francis’s legacy of LGBT inclusion demonstrates the power of reconciliation. For too long, LGBT people have been alienated from their communities simply for living their lives as they were born. Pope Francis gave back to an entire generation of LGBT youth their legitimate place in their communities and their families.”

Steve Kerrigan, Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Committee, added his sentiment: “Pope Francis showed the world that compassion and courage are not mutually exclusive. His willingness to confront centuries of exclusion and embrace those on the margins was a beacon of hope and humanity. In a time when division too often dominates, his legacy reminds us that true leadership means opening doors, not closing them. We honor his memory by continuing the work of building a more inclusive and loving world.”

Respectfully Submitted by the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee LGBTQIA+ Outreach