We pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, at the age of 88. He served as Supreme Pontiff from March 2013.
At 9.45am, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:
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. 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.
Statement from our president, Archbishop Bernard Longley
“As the remarkable pontificate of Pope Francis comes to a close all the faithful, Religious and clergy of our Archdiocese join in praying for the repose of his soul.
“We recall with gratitude the Canonisation of St John Henry Newman, Birmingham’s saint, in 2019 by Pope Francis and the late Holy Father’s appreciation for Cardinal Newman’s teachings on the development of doctrine.
“The Holy Spirit inspired Pope Francis to lead the Church along the Synodal Pathway in fidelity to the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and this will undoubtedly remain an important part of his abiding legacy.
“We also remember Pope Francis’s many ecumenical and inter-religious initiatives as he prayed and worked for the unity of the Church and of mankind and for the respect due to God’s creation.
“We pray that the Good Shepherd will now welcome the Successor of Peter into the company of saints. May he rest in peace.”
