'A testament to hope': 7 Christian leaders react to death of Pope Francis

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Monday, April 21, 2025

2. Elizabeth Eaton

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, released a statement offering condolences and commending the ministry work of Pope Francis.

"Pope Francis served Christ's church with wisdom, courage and humility," she stated. "Throughout his pastoral ministry, he served as an instrument of God's justice and peace for all people and the whole of creation."

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"His papacy will be remembered for his clarion call to action for climate justice, his bold engagement in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, his compassionate approach to several complex social issues, and his clear concern about the rise of right-wing populism worldwide and its impact on the most vulnerable."

Eaton spotlighted the dialogue efforts between Lutherans and Catholics that occurred under Francis' reign, including the 2017 Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.