San Diego, CA – Today, Representative Scott Peters released the following statement upon learning of the passing of Pope Francis:

“Pope Francis’s loss is particularly painful today, as so many of us were heartened to see him celebrate the Resurrection of Christ yesterday. He reminded Catholics - and all Christians - of the core values of our faith: caring for the poor and most vulnerable among us, outreach to those in most need of acceptance, healing and forgiveness, nurturing the planet and God’s creation, courage, faith, and love and inclusion for all of God’s children.  

“I was honored to speak at the Vatican’s global climate conference in 2017. Pope Francis lived up to his given name for the Saint from Assisi, who considered all living things his brothers and sisters. Pope Francis’s moral clarity and commitment toward climate action through his Encyclical on climate change and leadership have been critical to the movement to save God’s planet. May God bless him and may he rest in peace.

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