Mourning the Loss of Pope Francis

April 21, 2025

Dear members of the SLU community,

When we awoke this Easter Monday, we learned that our beloved Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has gone to his eternal rest. 

As we mourn his death, we remember the joy that Pope Francis embodied and the humility with which he led. 

He was committed to serving the poor, the marginalized, and migrants everywhere. He asked for forgiveness. He forged connections across religious and political differences. With his presence and through humble actions, he personally comforted those who were suffering and welcomed those who had been shunned.

Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope. We witnessed the moral and intellectual rigor of the Ignatian tradition throughout his papacy – in his openness to multiple viewpoints, in his inclusion of lay people and women in the global Synod of Bishops, and in his emphasis on the importance of individual and collective discernment. 

Through the practice of discernment, inspired by St. Ignatius, we quiet ourselves so that we might be open to God’s guidance and to the wisdom and light of the Holy Spirit. Pope Francis demonstrated the grace that is present in listening. He exhibited the courage it takes to hear what God asks of us, and to be moved from our own narrow preoccupations toward the expansive vision of Christ’s love that is revealed in the Gospels. 

As we continue to celebrate the miracle of the Resurrection this week, we pray that the gifts of Pope Francis’ life will continue to live in us. 

May we accompany those in need. May we listen to the voices that cry for healing in a fractured world. May we see the presence of God in one another – in everyone – and contribute to a community that, with great joy, embraces all. 

A Memorial Mass for the Holy Father, Pope Francis, will be celebrated at noon on Wednesday, April 23, at St. Francis Xavier College Church.

Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President