Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. He profoundly influenced the Catholic Church and the global community through his emphasis on inclusivity, modesty and social justice.
First and foremost, our Pope was the model of humility and simplicity. He chose to be called Francis after Francis of Assisi, the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man of the people. The Pope lived in a Vatican guesthouse rather than the traditional papal house. He showed, by his actions, his responsibility to be closer to everyday people, especially the poor, the vulnerable and outcast. He consistently highlighted the plight of the refugees, the sick and the marginalized, urging the Church to be a "field hospital" that provides care and comfort to those in need.
Pope Francis worked to make the Church a welcoming and safe place, especially for the displaced. In his encyclical On Fraternity and Social Friendship, Pope Francis wrote: “The world exists for everyone, because all of us were born with the same dignity. Differences of color, religion, talent, place of birth or residence, and so many others, cannot be used to justify the privileges of some over the rights of all.” His desire to engage all Catholics so that every person feels loved by the Church, guided him to work with bishops, cardinals, theologians, academics and lay people to set the Church on a reformed path. His legacy is marked by his efforts to align the Church more closely with the teachings of Jesus, focusing on mercy, humility, and service to others. Let his message guide our relationships, especially with the students in our care.
I will leave you with the central theme of Pope Francis’ Lenten Message this year. It is encapsulated in the phrase "Let us journey together in hope.”
Maria Vasanelli,
Director of Education