House Joint Resolution 689, sponsored by Bulso, honors the memory of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, he dedicated his life to the service of God and the Church, becoming the first pope from Latin America when he ascended to the papacy on March 13, 2013. Throughout his nearly thirteen-year pontificate, Pope Francis emphasized themes of mercy, care for creation, and support for marginalized communities, canonizing 942 saints and publishing several significant encyclicals and documents.

The resolution reflects on Pope Francis's commitment to peace, particularly in the Holy Land and Ukraine, and his compassionate messages to the vulnerable and marginalized, as highlighted in his final remarks before his death. It acknowledges his life of humility, simplicity, and radical devotion to charity, urging the General Assembly to remember his legacy of service and holiness. The resolution concludes with a call to honor Pope Francis's contributions and the impact he had on the faithful and society at large.