In Gratitude for the Life and Leadership of Pope Francis

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With heavy hearts, the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns joins the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died in Rome on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, twelve years after he began his pontificate with a vision for “a church that is poor and that is for the poor.” His steadfast commitment to peace, social justice and the integrity of creation will not be forgotten and will continue to guide us.

Maryknoll missioners living and serving on the margins of society around the world have been inspired by the Holy Father’s call for pastoral workers to be “shepherds with the ‘smell of the sheep,’” grounded in the realities of the communities with which we work; and his vision of the church as a “field hospital after battle,” where those who are wounded and hurting can find comfort and support, not just in the traditional sense of healing, but also in addressing social injustices and inequalities.

We remain inspired by his courage in taking risks, as when he kissed the feet of South Sudan leaders, urging them to work for peace; his visionary development of Catholic teaching to address modern challenges, as when he condemned the mere possession of nuclear weapons, and called climate change an urgent moral crisis; and his fidelity to love and mercy as evident in his unwavering welcome to migrants and refugees, and respect for the inherent dignity of every human person.

In declaring 2025 a year of Jubilee, Francis called on the faithful to be “pilgrims of hope.” May his example of closeness and care for those who suffer and for our common home continue to inspire us on our mission journey.