Dear Friends,
We learned this Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, that Pope Francis passed into eternal life.
Many recall with joy and anticipation the surprise election on March 13, 2013, of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio from Argentina. He was the first pope elected from the Western Hemisphere and the first to take the name of Saint Francis of Assisi.
After paying his own hotel bill, Pope Francis showed right away that he was going to be a different type of pope. His words and actions over the years have shown his great love for the poor, migrants, and marginalized people of the world.
Known as the “Pope of Mercy” he had an intentional interest in bringing young people to prayer, to the love of Christ, and to live a life of faith. These actions have borne much fruit in the recent resurgence of many young people being received into the church and others entering the priesthood and consecrated life in many parts of the world. He was seen by them as a pope that they could trust. He has left as his legacy his passion for the common good of all people in the world, and not just Catholics. His last words were, “My brothers and sisters, Happy Easter,” and as is customary on Easter, he blessed us with his Urbi et Orbi message to the Church and to the world. May the feast of the Resurrection that he celebrated yesterday now be his forever.
Let us together pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire the cardinals to elect a pope who will carry on the work of Pope Francis. May he rest in eternal peace.
The Mass at 11:15AM on Sunday, April 27, will be offered for the repose of the soul of our Holy Father, the late Pope Francis.
Let us comfort each other at this Easter time with our faith and prayers.
God bless,
Father Passenant
