‘SADDENED BY THE LOSS’

A letter from Bishop Ed on the death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis smiles as he attends his weekly general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Feb. 5, 2025. Pope Francis, formerly Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died April 21, 2025, at age 88. (OSV News photo/Remo Casilli, Reuters) (Courtesy photo of Remo Casilli)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Our dear Pope Francis has been called home on Easter to meet our Risen Lord! As he walked with so many on our earthly journeys, especially our sisters and brothers “in the margins” – the poor, the homeless, the migrant, the disabled and the abused – our hearts and prayers are with him on his final pilgrimage.

We are saddened by the loss of Papa Francesco’s always kind and cheerful presence. While suffering with serious health challenges himself, he continued with his mission of hope, healing and accompaniment. 

Preaching, teaching and living the Gospel proclaimed by Jesus, he inspired us to live in the light of this saving message, not only as we remember him on his last journey and throughout this Holy Year of Hope, but for all our life.

Perhaps the most beautiful way to honor the life of a loved one is not only to recall and recount the good they have done, but to make that life well lived our own mission.

The Easter message is not to seek the living among the dead. The two on the road to Emmaus were surprised to learn the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in your midst.” As we commend the soul of Pope Francis to God, may we be consoled in the bond of spiritual friendship that lives for all eternity. 

I invite all to attend a Memorial Mass for Pope Francis to be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, at 5 p.m. Let us come together in prayer, as a family in faith, to celebrate the Pope’s life and the hope that his example continues to bring to each of us. 

Your brother in Christ,

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger