Dear Friends,
As we mourn the death of Pope Francis and pray for the repose of his soul, we also give thanks for his leadership and example.
Pope Francis lived the Gospels. He reminded us every day to care for each other, especially the poor, our environment, and those living in desperate situations — whether from war, hunger, or being invisible within their own families or communities. He preached love. He lived love. Through his example, Pope Francis made it easy to better understand how we are called to live as community. He was a generous, other-centered human being.
Last November, I had the incredible opportunity while on pilgrimage with FADICA to attend a private audience with Pope Francis. During that meeting, The Holy Father acknowledged the contributions FADICA has made for the Catholic Church, noting their work in supporting various initiatives and their quiet encouragement of the faith in the United States.
In his remarks to us, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of love as a transformative force — both in individual lives and in the Church. “Love always transforms, changes things,” he told us. He encouraged us to act synodally, working together in a collaborative and participatory way. He closed by commending us to continue sharing Christ’s love — which is exactly what he did, up to his final hours and his final breath.
What do we do now? We shall carry on the example of Pope Francis. Be generous. Think about others first. Never forget the poor, and remember that those we serve possess the face of God. We are called to use our feet and our hearts to honor his unselfish, other-centered life.
There is a saying often attributed to the Holy Father’s namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, that could easily have been the pope’s mission statement: “Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.”
As we reflect over the coming weeks on the mission and ministry of Pope Francis, may we be inspired to walk together in a spirit of communion, participation, and mission.
With gratitude,
Anne Cullen Miller
President
—
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Francis,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
From the USCCB