Apr 21, 2025 - News
Catholic leaders in Seattle mourn Pope Francis
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Seattle's Catholic leaders are mourning the death of Pope Francis, reflecting on a legacy that spread far beyond the church.
What they're saying: "He loved the poor, the outcast, the downtrodden, the marginalized, the earth and all of God's children," the Archdiocese of Seattle wrote in a letter posted on its website Monday.
- "He was so genuine and warm and welcoming," Rev. Gary Lazzeroni, the vicar general for the archdiocese, told KIRO Newsradio.
By the numbers: Pope Francis' passing comes as Catholicism's foothold in Washington state is modest, with only about 14% of residents identifying as Catholic, compared to 19% nationally, according to Pew Research.
- Washingtonians are among the least religious in the country, per Pew.
- In Seattle, 44% say they are religiously unaffiliated — atheist, agnostic, or "nothing in particular," Pew data shows.
- Connecticut (35%) and New Jersey (33%) have the highest shares of Catholics, while West Virginia (3%), Utah (4%) and Oregon (6%) have among the lowest.
Go deeper: What to know about Pope Francis' funeral