Pope Francis: Requiescat in Pace
Monday 21st April 2025The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has died, aged 88.
A statement from the Holy See confirmed that the pope died at 7.35am this morning at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.
Today, the Diocese of Salford joins people throughout in the world in mourning the death of the Pope, who has served as Supreme Pontiff for the past 12 years.
On hearing the news, Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford shared the following statement:
“I can only imagine how many people are shocked and greatly saddened by the sudden death of Pope Francis. Although there have been various episodes of illness in recent times, he has always shown such determination to fulfil his commitments and return to his ministry. But this time, the final illness has been overwhelming and the Lord has called him to Himself. Let us pray that he will rest in peace and be rewarded for all that he has achieved for the Church, for us all, in his papal ministry.
“Let us be grateful for the humble way in which he served the Church, putting aside the pomp and decoration of his office, to be among us. From the first days of his papacy, he has shown his love for people and his determination to be close to those who came to him. Let us be grateful for his teaching and all that he has done to help the Church to be true to Gospel values in our ever-changing world.
“Let us give thanks for his concern for the environment which has done so much to make people within the Church and beyond aware of the dangers of climate change and the need for urgent action. Let us be thankful for his example of welcome to all who might be even curious about a faith in Jesus Christ.
“Every Pope must be a Pope for his time and we give thanks for the achievements of Pope Francis’ predecessors but we recognise the courage and the dedication of Pope Francis in guiding us in unprecedented times where our world is seemingly overwhelmed by conflicts, migration, poverty and climate change.
“He has died in the Octave of Easter, a time of great hope – in a Jubilee Year of Hope – and we must continue, aided by his prayers, to strengthen our commitment to build Hope in our world for the dignity and well-being for all our brothers and sisters and our common home.
“He has shown us the way and, by our listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, in the Universal Synod, Pope Francis has ensured that we are the Body of Christ – the Church – for the times in which we live.”
Jorge Maria Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 December 1936.
Elected on 13 March 2013 after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Bergoglio became the first Jesuit pontiff and the first Pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere.
Taking the unprecedented name of Francis, themes of humility, love and service, and care for our planet and its people quickly became central to the pontificate of this remarkable pope.
A Statement from Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Presidents of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, also paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying:
“The death of Pope Francis brings great sadness to so many around the world, both within the Catholic Church and in societies in general. A voice proclaiming the innate dignity of every human being, especially those who are poor or marginalised, is now silent. The legacy he leaves is one we must seek to carry forward and strengthen.
“Pope Francis was called to priesthood through his experience of the mercy and compassion of God. This remained the core of his ministry, as Priest, Bishop and Pontiff. Only in understanding the love and mercy of God towards each one of us can we fashion societies and communities that bear the mark of the ‘kingdom of God’.
“This same focus and emphasis lay at this desire to see membership of the Church as being rooted in ‘missionary discipleship’, a dynamic and powerful vision for every Christian and every community.
“Now we pray for the repose of his soul, that he may know, in full measure, the merciful and loving embrace of the Father, of the one God to whom he gave his life in unstinting service.
“May he now rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Click here to read more from the Bishops’ Conference about Pope Francis and his pontificate.
Prayer for Pope Francis
Bishop John invites us to join him in offering the following prayer:
God, who in your ineffable providence, willed that thy servant, Francis, should be numbered among the high priests, grant, we pray, that he, who on earth held the place of your only-begotten Son, may be joined forevermore to the fellowship of your holy pontiffs.
Through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
Amen.
Tagged | Bishop John | Catholic Church | Diocese | Pope Francis | Prayer
