The Passing of Pope Francis – Papacy 2013-2025

THANK YOU, POPE FRANCIS, FOR YOUR PAPACY 2013-2025!

As we mourn the death of Pope Francis, we pray that he rests in the arms of our Risen Christ.

Dear God, we thank You for the years of service Pope Francis gave to our Church: his encyclicals, his prayers, his pilgrimages, his work for a brighter tomorrow. May his life and service remind us of our ultimate goal – You and You alone. Amen.

Statement of Fr. Frank on the Death of Pope Francis – April 21, 2025

Dear Family and Friends of St. Michael Parish:

It is with profound sadness that we have all heard the news about the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. Pope Francis has shown the world the face of Jesus Christ by his words and his example of goodness, humility and pastoral care for the people of God, especially for the poor and the immigrant.

Pope Francis had a simple style and refused to be caught up in the comforts of the papacy. Elected in 2013, he received the Cardinal electors standing and not in the traditional papal chair. He rode in the bus with the Cardinals and not in a Vatican limousine. He chose not to live in the Apostolic Palace but rather in more simplified quarters. On Holy Thursdays, he would often wash the feet of prisoners. He even simplified the papal funeral rites for himself. His actions speak louder than his words.

I have always felt challenged by Pope Francis as he called us to live more simply. He challenged us to live our faith and reach out to those who are lost and those on the peripheries of society. He reminded us that our churches are to be hospitals for the sinner and not museums for the saints.

I am a better person and pastor because of Pope Francis’ example. Please join me in praying for the repose of his soul. Eternal Rest Grant on to him, O Lord, and let the Perpetual Light shine upon him.

In Christ’s love,
Fr. Frank A. Kurucz

Statement and Video Message of Cardinal Cupich on the Death of Pope Francis – April 21, 2025

I have received word that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died. In this moment of profound loss for me personally and for the Church, I take this moment to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the gift of his papacy and to pray for the repose of his soul. The finest memorial we can offer is to re-form our hearts as Pope Francis asked – to see our brothers and sisters, to listen to them and to offer our prayers and actions that all may experience the fullness of God’s promise. As we mourn his passing, I ask that God comfort us, but also strengthen us to remain steadfast in carrying on the work of restoring our Church’s place in the world as a source of hope and an advocate for those in need.

Memorial Mass for Pope Francis at Holy Name Cathedral – April 23, 2025

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, will preside over a Memorial Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at Holy Name Cathedral on Wednesday, April 23, at 10 AM.

The public is welcome to attend – No tickets are required! – The Mass will be livestreamed – WATCH BELOW!

Death of Pope Francis – Prayer

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.

Death of Pope Francis – Resources