“A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.” – Pope Francis, Angelus, March 17, 2013
At 9:45 a.m. (Central European Summer Time) on Easter Monday, April 21, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
As we mourn the death of Pope Francis, let us join with Catholics worldwide in praying for the repose of his soul.
O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy for ever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Roman Missal)
Bishop Walkowiak released a statement following the news of the Pope’s death:
“We are saddened by the death of our Holy Father, yet it is fitting that his passing from this life occurred in the Jubilee Year of Hope, which he inaugurated. For our hope in eternal life springs from our faith in the risen Lord.
Pope Francis sought to break down barriers and draw people into an encounter with Christ in the Catholic Church. Like Jesus, he served those whom the world often considered outcasts. He challenged priests to be shepherds with the ‘smell of the sheep,’ and constantly reminded us of the dignity of the unborn, migrants and refugees, and prisoners. He was a man of action, ministering to the homeless in Rome, visiting refugee camps, and washing the feet of prisoners. His pastoral heart, use of relatable language, and witness to serving people on the margins stand as an example for all people.
It is a privilege to be among the first bishops appointed by Pope Francis during his pontificate. His leadership and witness have shaped my episcopal priorities and ministry over these past 11 years.
May Pope Francis now rest in eternal peace. Please join me in praying for the repose of his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.“
Mass of Christian Burial for Pope Francis
The Holy Father’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica until his funeral on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 a.m. local time (4:00 a.m. ET). CLICK HERE to watch LIVE updates from the Vatican News YouTube channel.
Prayer Opportunities at SRN
The faithful and general public are encouraged to pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis and his eternal reward including by reciting the rosary, especially until the celebration of his funeral Mass on April 26.
Other Links
WOOD TV 8 Interview with Fr. Weber and SRN Parishioners
Vatican Biography of Pope Francis