Pope Francis

Pope Francis 17th December 1936 – 21st April 2025 The news of Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday morning has left the Catholic Church and our world in deep sadness and grief. Pope Francis will be remembered for his humility, compassion and unwavering commitment to the poor. He brought a fresh pastoral approach to the papacy. His emphasis on God’s mercy, social justice and care for creation reached out to so many outside of the Catholic faith. From washing the feet of prisoners to his bold Encyclical like Laudato Si’, he challenged the Church and the world to embrace a more inclusive and compassionate approach to life and living. In a very divided world he reached out to people of other faiths and no faith, advocating for refugees and urging reconciliation where division and conflict exists. Pope Francis lived simplicity and by example he challenged all of us to do so. At the time of his death he was working on encouraging Synodality in the Church, where every voice is valued and respected, and the Holy Spirit allow to influence decision making. As we mourn his death this weekend, we give thanks for his witness to the Gospel. We prayer for the repose of his soul and for our Church as it prepares to elect a new shepherd. Rest gently, Pope Francis