Condolences to our Catholic posters on death of Pope Francis

[Calm]

https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/1013050313/pope-francis-dead
 

Quote

Pope Francis, the first non-European head of the Roman Catholic Church in more than a millennium, died at age 88.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a top Vatican official, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning.

"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," Farrell said in a statement.

"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."

 

[Anakin7]

Prayers out from our House.

[OGHoosier]

His dedication to Jesus Christ is something to be admired and emulated. May he rest in peace. 

[Robert F. Smith]

A Jesuit who took as his papal name Francis for St Francis -- the opposite of the intellectual Jesuits.

[Niblo]

Rest in Peace, your Holiness.

[Pyreaux]

I know very little of Pope Francis himself, his history or sayings. I've only heard of a reputation of having more liberal or progressive stances compared to his predecessors, particularly in tone and emphasis, though still remaining within the framework of traditional Catholic doctrine.

Like, showing openness to civil unions for same-sex couples, though he hadn’t changed the Church's teaching on traditional marriage. Strong emphasis on economic inequality, environmental protection, and compassion for migrants and the poor. Criticized unregulated capitalism and consumerism, which gained him praise from the left and criticism from some on the right. There were the traditionalists that thought poorly of what he had said, but there were no actual doctrinal shifts.

That is all I know, and I'm not saying whether it's a full or correct summarization of his legacy and reputation, and I'm in no place to say whether he was or wasn't inspired. I do feel his voice echoed with mercy, inclusion, and a concern for the poor; that can sometimes startle the comfortable. No matter the commotion over his convictions, I will say he seemed to be a shepherd who walked ahead of his flock, not just guiding, but challenging. As an inspired leader should. Sometimes the gospel, when lived aloud, can sound both ancient and radically new.

To my elder brothers and sisters in Christ, I offer my prayer for your future, for in times like these, the future is where my thoughts go; will the tide return to the old shores, or continue to flow in the direction he dared to turn it? Whatever that future will hold, today we honor the man who I believe tried to widen the tent without breaking its stakes.

Edited April 22, 2025 by Pyreaux

[MustardSeed]

We’ve lost a good human.  

[Chum]

3 hours ago, MustardSeed said:

We’ve lost a good human.  

An extraordinarily good one. He routinely called out widespread wrongdoing that objectively harms people. Clearly. Overtly.

And he was almost always alone in doing so, among Christian leaders anyway.

Edited April 21, 2025 by Chum

[Tony uk]

Pope Francis, had a genuine concern for all people. And held out the hand of friendship to all.

[MiserereNobis]

Thank you all. I hope my fellow Catholics are as gracious as you are when your President passes. 
 

Requiescat in pace, papa Francisce. 

[Chum]

Quote

We join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
His courageous and compassionate leadership has blessed countless lives.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who looked to him for inspiration and counsel.
As the world pauses to remember his example of forgiveness and service, we feel deep gratitude for the goodness of a life well lived and rejoice in the hope of a glorious resurrection made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

-- The First Presidency

[Chum]

1 hour ago, MiserereNobis said:

Thank you all. I hope my fellow Catholics are as gracious as you are when your President passes.

Francis redeemed Christianity in a way no one else has.

Edited April 22, 2025 by Chum

[Tacenda]

On 4/21/2025 at 8:43 PM, MiserereNobis said:

Thank you all. I hope my fellow Catholics are as gracious as you are when your President passes. 
 

Requiescat in pace, papa Francisce. 

He was a wonderful man, my favorite. We all need these examples in life. 

[Damien the Leper]

Pope Francis will be missed. Hopefully not succeeded by Cardinal Burke.