22/04/2025
The Lord has called home His servant, Pope Francis, on this day, and like St. Francis of Assisi before him, he embraced Sister Death with simplicity, peace, and trust in God's mercy.
In the spirit of our Seraphic Father, Pope Francis walked barefoot among the people—especially the poor, the broken, and the forgotten. He showed us that the heart of the Gospel beats most loudly when we choose littleness over power, mercy over judgment, and encounter over exclusion.
Living in Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace, he reminded us, not only with words but with his life, that to follow Christ is to choose the lowly place. He echoed Francis of Assisi’s cry, “Let us begin again, for up to now we have done little,” calling the Church not to grandeur, but to conversion and simplicity of heart.
His care for Our Sister Mother Earth, his closeness to the wounds of humanity, and his call to be a Church that goes forth—all these were signs that the Franciscan spirit still lives: humble, joyful, and always pointing to the Crucified and Risen Christ.
Now that he has returned to the embrace of the Most High, we give thanks for his life. We grieve, yes, but not as those without hope. For like our holy Father Francis, Pope Francis now sings the Canticle of the Creatures in fullness, praising God from eternity.
May we, his brothers and sisters, carry the torch of peace, humility, and joy that he so faithfully bore. And may his soul, in the words of our Rule, "return to the Lord God whom he has served with a pure and humble heart."
Papa Francisco, Go in peace, good and faithful servant.
