Pope Francis In Memoriam

A Statement from the Bishops of Orange (California) on the Passing of Pope Francis

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With heavy yet prayerful hearts, we mourn the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. In this moment of great loss, we give thanks for the life of a shepherd who embodied the Gospel with humility, mercy and an unwavering faith in God’s boundless love.

From the very beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis called us to embrace the Lord’s command to evangelize, urging us in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) to go forth boldly, reaching out to all people and proclaiming the Good News with renewed fervor. His witness has profoundly shaped our own mission as a diocese, inspiring us to be a Church that is not turned in on itself but one that goes out, serving the poor, welcoming the lost and walking alongside all who seek Christ.

As we grieve, let us also find hope in the promise of the Resurrection and in the enduring impact of Pope Francis’ ministry. May his call to missionary discipleship continue to guide our diocese as we seek to live out the Gospel in both word and action. United in prayer, let us commend him to the infinite mercy of our loving Father, trusting that the light of Christ now shines upon him in eternal glory.

Reflecting on Pope Francis’ legacy, Bishop Vann shared: “As I reflect on the ‘journey to the house of the Father’ of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, several thoughts come to mind. Like Pope Saint John Paul II, he was called to Eternal Life during the Octave of Easter—the Resurrection of the Lord. His most recent Encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Corde Amoris (Dilexit Nos), is especially appropriate to read and reflect on at this time. And throughout his papacy, his faithful witness as a Shepherd—especially in the face of physical struggles—remained a powerful example to us all.”

May the soul of Pope Francis, our faithful shepherd, rest in peace and may the Church he so deeply loved continue to bear witness to the joy of the Gospel.

In Christ’s peace,

Bishop Kevin W. Vann

Auxiliary Bishop Timothy E. Freyer

Auxiliary Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen

For more information:

https://www.rcbo.org/newsroom-archive/a-statement-from-the-bishops-of-orange-california-on-the-passing-of-pope-francis/

https://www.usccb.org/pope-francis-resources-memoriam