I join with Catholics and all people of goodwill across the Diocese of Arlington, the nation and the world in prayer as we mourn the death of Pope Francis. Over the course of his long life, the Holy Father served as a witness to the risen Christ, our source of hope for eternal happiness.
The Holy Father’s pontificate was marked by his desire that all may draw nearer to the heart of Jesus and bear witness to his unconditional love. Pope Francis called us to live the joy of the Gospel and be a Church of missionary disciples who go out and accompany those on the peripheries of society. The Holy Father urged everyone to work together in a spirit of fraternal solidarity and dialogue to overcome conflicts and injustices, to care for our common home, and to build bridges of peace and reconciliation. In what has already become an enduring image of his pontificate, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis emerged alone on the steps of Saint Peter’s Basilica to direct the gaze of the world to our Eucharistic Lord for an extraordinary moment of global Adoration and blessing. The Holy Father reminded us: “God turns everything to our good.”
In the course of his Apostolic Journeys and in meetings with political and religious leaders, as well as people from all walks of life, Pope Francis constantly drew attention to the infinite dignity of every human person, especially the unborn, the poor, the migrant, the innocent, and those most vulnerable, observing that they can easily be cast aside by a “throwaway culture.” In that light, the Holy Father spoke often of the parable of the Good Samaritan, reminding us that we are all brothers and sisters to one another and that our words and actions should reflect the Lord’s closeness, compassion, and protection.
Providentially, Pope Francis gave us this Jubilee Year of Hope. Pope Francis recently observed that we are all pilgrims of hope, journeying together towards “the grandeur of the heavenly goal to which we have been called.” It is this very Christian hope that makes possible our trust in God, our Heavenly Father, as he opens the doors of eternal life to Pope Francis. We unite now in prayer for our departed Holy Father, trusting that our loving God will grant him the reward of his labors and welcome him into the kingdom of heaven. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May our Holy Father Pope Francis rest in peace.
- April 21, 2025
