Peoria Standard

Darin LaHood, the representative for Illinois' 16th District, expressed his sorrow over the death of Pope Francis, joining many worldwide in honoring the pontiff's legacy. LaHood shared his sentiments in a Facebook post.

"I am saddened to learn about the passing of Pope Francis," said LaHood, U.S. Representative of Illinois's 16th congressional district (R), according to Facebook. "Throughout his time in ministry and his historic tenure as Pope, he was committed to living a life of faith, compassion, and service to others. It was an honor to attend his joint address before Congress in 2015, the first Pope to do so. I join the world in honoring his legacy and ensuring that his memory lives on with Christians all over the world."

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. in the Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, confirmed the time of death. The official certification and placement in the coffin occurred at 8 p.m. in the chapel at Casa Santa Marta. Pope Francis had been hospitalized at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic with bilateral pneumonia before returning to his residence after a 38-day recovery. Throughout his life, he dealt with respiratory issues, including lung inflammation and past surgery to remove part of a lung due to severe infection.

Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood's April 21 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood Facebook page

According to The Associated Press, Pope Francis died following a stroke that led to a coma and heart failure. In response to his passing, eligible Cardinals will convene in the Sistine Chapel for the Conclave process to select his successor. Before his death, Pope Francis had simplified papal funeral rites, allowing for confirmation of his death in his personal chapel before an official pronouncement on April 21.

LaHood has served Illinois since 2015, initially representing the 18th Congressional District until redistricting placed him in the 16th District in 2023. Prior to Congress, he spent four years in the Illinois State Senate from 2011 to 2015 and has over nine years of experience as both a state and federal prosecutor. This includes serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice in Las Vegas, Nevada. LaHood holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loras College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois-Chicago John Marshall Law School. He resides with his wife in Peoria, Illinois.