Congressman Chris Smith released the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:

My wife, Marie, and I join all people of good will in praying that eternal rest be granted to His Holiness Pope Francis. 

 Pope Francis appealed to politicians of all faiths to “put as the first rock of the common good the defense of the life of those that are about to be born and make their entrance in society, to which they bring novelty, a future and hope.”

We pray for peace, wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit during this time of transition in the Roman Catholic Church as his successor is selected.