CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- For nearly two decades, the City of Corning and San Giovanni Valdarno, Italy, have shared a special bond as sister cities. Since the news of Pope Francis' passing, they've connected to show support.

Students and teachers from Corning Painted Post High School visited Italy this past February.  On their trip, they got the chance to visit St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, and get a tour from one of Pope Francis's friars.  The group was able to touch the foot of St. Peter, and learn more about the history of the area.

The chairman of the Sister City Committee says this was an unforgettable experience, and one they were so grateful to have.  Now, months later from across an ocean, the sister cities are reaching out and showing support after Pope Francis's death.

"They're pretty shaken in San Giovanni. I just got a message from the mayor and the deputy mayor there that said the whole country of Italy is shaken. They're very proud of Pope Francis and what he's done for not only Italy but also the world, just being a very humble and a pope of the people," said Tim Ball, Chairman of the San Giovanni Corning Sister Cities Committee.  "They're not only our friends, but they're our family too, so when something like this happens to them, we feel it as well, so we're very sad for them."

“Pope Francis is a model of humility and compassion, calling individuals and the world to a simpler and more committed humanity," said Corning Mayor Bill Boland.
 
"Apart from what from what was written in the newspapers and broadcast on TV, I can tell you that Pope Francis was much loved and respected, both by believers and non-believers. I can't say about his evangelical message, but I can tell you that everyone in Italy is very shaken. Pope Francis had impressed the Italians right away, both because he was of distant Italian origin (his grandparents were from Italy and had emigrated to Argentina), but also because he was very, very affable and non-conformist. He was a true moral leader, perhaps the last authentic one. He was very committed to defend the last ones, the marginalized ones, and to give them dignity and a decent living. He was engaged in very important and pressing issues, such as the environment and peace," said Fabio Franchi, the Deputy Mayor of San Giovanni Valdarno in Italy in a statement.
 
National mourning has been declared in Italy, and flags in all public buildings are being flown at half-mast.  Governor Kathy Hochul and Governor Josh Shapiro have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on state buildings.