With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His pontificate was marked by simplicity, closeness, and a firm commitment to bring the Gospel into the everyday lives of people. In his will, he requested to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome – simply, without adornment, with the inscription “Franciscus” and in the earth.
People all over the world are remembering him in these days – in churches and public squares, in silence, in prayer, with flowers, candles, and signs of solidarity. Many recall his words on St. Peter’s Square during the pandemic, his journeys to the refugees on Lampedusa, or his quiet gestures of closeness in the Vatican. He confronted the questions of the times, endured divisions, and repeatedly placed human dignity at the center – especially where it was under threat.
Pope Francis had a special bond with the Redemptorists. At the 26th General Chapter in 2022, he called on the community to reconsider the Alphonsian spirit in light of the signs of the times. He encouraged us to dare new paths, to have no fear of renewal, and to firmly stand with the poor and the marginalized: “Do not be afraid to get your hands dirty in the service of the neediest and those who count for nothing.” Francis reminded us of the central importance of the mystery of Christ, of community, and of prayer as sources of our mission.
With his inviting style of preaching and his concrete option for the poor, he set essential accents that have shaped the pastoral work of the Redemptorists at their locations – in social action as well as in ecological awareness, inspired by his encyclical Laudato si’.
With his death, the time of sede vacante now begins. The College of Cardinals will gather in the coming days; the conclave to elect his successor is scheduled for early May. The Church enters a phase of reflection and decision – carried by the hope that God’s Spirit is at work even in this hour.
We invite you to join us in silent prayer by speaking Psalm 23 together:
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
On behalf of the Redemptorists of the Province of St. Clement, we express our condolences. We thank Pope Francis for his service, for his living witness, for his steps toward humanity – and for his encouragement to face the signs of the times with courage and trust as missionaries of hope.
May he now take his place in the house of the Lord – forever.