Pope Francis In Memoriam
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Pope Francis (1936–2025)
At approximately 7:30 a.m. Rome time on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, our Holy Father Pope Francis entered eternal life. The first pope from Latin America, Pope Francis focused much of his papacy on the pastoral life of the Church and the expression of mercy towards our neighbor. He made many changes within the Vatican and the Curia. He also expanded the College of Cardinals. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
You can read more about Pope Francis and his legacy on the USCCB website. Here you can find statements from United States bishops and archbishops, links to papal documents promulgated during Pope Francis' pontificate, and other resources.
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Pope Francis as a young Jesuit priest circa 1969. -
Statement of Bishop Byrne
Most Rev. William D. Byrne, Bishop of Springfield, released the following statement:
I was saddened to learn of the Holy Father’s passing this morning in Rome. Pope Francis was a clarion voice for the poor of the world, and all those on the periphery of society, challenging us all to see in them the face of God.
I will be forever blessed by the memory of my meeting with the Holy Father two years ago. At that meeting, responding to a question I asked, he reminded those present that “everyone, everyone, everyone, everyone should be welcomed. We are all brothers and sisters seeking the Lord.”
As the Universal Church marks our Jubilee Year of Hope and as pilgrims on the journey of hope, may the humble manner in which Pope Francis conducted his papacy serve as a model for us all.I ask that the Catholic Community of western Massachusetts pray through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, who was so dear to our Holy Father, for the repose of the soul of this holy and humble servant of God.
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Then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio travels on the subway in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2008. Even as a cardinal, Pope Francis was known to ride the subway and bus instead of using a chauffeured car. -
Statement of Archbishop Henning
Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston, released the following statement:
I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Pope Francis. His legacy as Holy Father is broad and deep. In his ministry and across his writings, he has continuously called us to deeper faith and to a more generous participation in the boundless compassion of God. He has challenged us to turn away from selfish impulses and towards communion with others and respect for God's creation. I am personally grateful that he called me to the Episcopacy and entrusted me with the pastoral care of the Church of Boston. His example remains a guiding light to the Universal Church. Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, may he rest in peace.
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VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of 88 gave new energy to millions of Catholics — and caused concern for some — as he transformed the image of the papacy into a pastoral ministry based on personal encounters and strong convictions about mission, poverty, immigration and dialogue...Read More
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Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.