Pope Francis
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✠ In Loving Memory of His Holiness Pope Francis (1936–2025) ✠
“I am a sinner, but I trust in the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Pope Francis
In this Jubilee Year of the Lord's Favor, and on the Monday of the Easter Octave, our beloved shepherd, Pope Francis, was called home to the eternal embrace of our Heavenly Father. He departed this life on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of faith, humility, and service that has forever transformed the
Church and touched the hearts of people around the world.
Today, we not only mourn his passing but also celebrate his life—a life poured out for Christ and his people. In joyful hope and Easter faith, we rejoice in his return home to the Lord, confident that he now beholds the face of the Risen Christ he so faithfully served.
✦ A Life of Humble Greatness ✦
Born: Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ordained to the Priesthood: December 13, 1969
Final Vows as a Jesuit: April 22, 1973
Became Archbishop of Buenos Aires: 1998
Created a Cardinal: February 21, 2001 by St. Pope John Paul II
Elected Pope:March 13, 2013, the 266th Pontiff- First Pope from the Americas
- First Jesuit Pope
- First Pope to choose the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi
The gold star represents the Virgin Mary, the grape-like plant—the spikenard—is associated with Saint Joseph, and the IHS is the symbol of the Jesuits.His life was marked by:- Profound Humility – He lived simply, spoke honestly, and often asked for our prayers.
- Radical Compassion – He reached out to the poor, the imprisoned, the migrant, the sick, and the forgotten.
- Prophetic Voice – He called the world to conversion: ecological, social, spiritual, and moral.
- Faith in Action – Through encyclicals like Laudato Si' and Fratelli Tutti, he invited all people of goodwill to care for one another and for creation.
- Being a man of deep compassion and conviction – he led the Catholic Church with a servant’s heart, choosing the path of mercy over judgment, simplicity over grandeur, and dialogue over division.
- Vatican News Articles:
- Rite of Ascertainment of Death and placement of the Pope's Body in the coffin: 4/21/2025.
- Translation of the Holy Father's remains to the Vatican Basilica: April 23, 2025.
- Funeral at St. Peter's Basilica: April 26, 2025.
- Laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in keeping with his wishes.
✦ A Pastor for the Ages ✦
Pope Francis brought warmth to the papacy and the people back to the center of the Church’s mission. His embrace of the Gospel of mercy renewed hope in a weary world. His final Easter message, delivered just one day before his passing, was a call for peace, healing, and fraternity—a fitting farewell from a man who gave his
whole life to building bridges.
✦ In Celebration of His Life ✦
Let us celebrate the life of this humble servant of God:- With Masses of Thanksgiving offered in parishes around the world.
- Through prayers of gratitude for his leadership and legacy.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Pope Francis lived the Beatitudes—and now rests in the beatific vision. Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. We thank God for the gift of his life—and we rejoice that he is now home.Important to NOTE: