Faith, Mission 

& Identity

Remembering Pope Francis

Over the holidays, we received the news of Pope Francis’ death on 21 April 2025, the day after Easter Sunday. Pope Francis has left us with an endearing legacy.

Reflection:

Pope Francis didn’t lead the Church from a throne. He led from the streets. From refugee camps, prisons, slums and soup kitchens. He walked with the poor. Sat with the broken. 

Listened to the young. He reminded the world that the Church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners. That faith isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being real, being kind, being brave enough to care.

He told us, “Go make a mess.” Not a reckless mess – but the kind that comes when you stir things up for justice. When you speak out for the people no one listens to. When you live with purpose, not just for yourself, but for something greater.

Pope Francis didn’t just talk about love – he lived it. Love for creation. Love for the forgotten. Love for the whole human family. Pope Francis not only loved Jesus, he loved like Jesus. 

So let’s not just remember Pope Francis. Let’s live like he did. With heart. With hope. 

The closing remarks from Cardinal Re’s Homily at the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis on 26th April.

"Dear Francis, we now ask you to pray for us. May you bless the Church, bless Rome, and bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica in a final embrace with all the people of God, but also embrace humanity that seeks the truth with a sincere heart and holds high the torch of hope."

We now await the Conclave, which will start on the 7th May to decide on the next Pope.

Monica Ribeiro

Director of Religious Education & Mission