POPE FRANCIS - REQUIESCAT IN PACE - April 21 2025
Bishop Stephen has issued the following statement:
As a diocesan family we pray for Pope Francis who was called to the Lord on the morning of the 21st April.
In this Easter Octave where every day is celebrated as Easter Sunday, we celebrate the victory of the Resurrection over death. We pray Pope Francis now shares in that victory and enjoys eternal life.
We give thanks for Pope Francis’ ministry as a Jesuit priest, Bishop in Argentina and finally as the successor of St. Peter. As Pope he always looked at situations through the eyes of the poor following the example of his Patron, Saint Francis of Assisi. He was a joy to meet in person and an inspiration to so many, Catholics and non Catholics alike.
We commend Pope Francis to the Lord, eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. May he rest in peace.
I will celebrate a Requiem Mass for Pope Francis at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Thursday 24th April at 12.05pm. All are welcome.
+Stephen
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