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Governor Pillen, in accordance with a directive from the White House, orders all U.S. and state flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis.
Flags are to fly at half-staff until sunset on the day of the Pope's interment.
In commenting on the life and pontificate of Pope Francis, Omaha Archbishop George Lucas said he gives thanks to God for the Pope's extraordinary life and ministry. The Bishop said the encouragement of Francis that we become missionary disciples, sharing the light of the gospel of Jesus especially with those at the peripheries, has shaped the pastoral vision in the Archdiocese of Omaha. Bishop Lucas notes that Francis welcomed the crowds who celebrated Easter at St. Peter’s Square.
Bishop James Conley of the Lincoln Diocese said, "The impact of his work for the Catholic Church will be felt for many years to come. His humility and kindness made him a 'pope of the people.' He was constantly encouraging us to reach out to those on the peripheries of our society who may be ignored, forgotten and disregarded. He wanted those people to know they are the Church, too, and will always be welcome."
Grand Island Diocese Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt released a statement saying, "In this joyful Easter season, we rejoice in his life of faith and service to the Church. Having suffered in his health, especially most recently, we ask the Lord to welcome him into eternal rest and give him peace."
Pope Francis is being remembered as a bridge-builder by Bishop William Joensen of the Des Moines Catholic Diocese. In a written statement, he said Pope Francis reached out to people within and beyond the institutional church.
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