Remembering Pope Francis

Church, school and government leaders from Nebraska mourn the April 21 death of Pope Francis, commending him for his life of service and offering their prayers.

Archbishop George J. Lucas

“I give thanks to God for his extraordinary life and ministry.  His encouragement that we become missionary disciples, sharing the light of the gospel of Jesus especially with those at the peripheries, has shaped our pastoral vision in the Archdiocese of Omaha.”

“We pray that he will now be welcomed by the saints of heaven and by the Lord Jesus, who is gloriously risen from the dead.”

Archbishop-elect Michael G. McGovern

“For many years he generously served the Lord as a Jesuit priest, then as a bishop and cardinal of the Catholic Church. Throughout his life Jorge Mario Bergoglio said ‘yes’ to God’s call and allowed himself to be led by the Lord, all of which prepared him to accept his election as pope by the College of Cardinals on March 13, 2013.

“Today we pray to God expressing our gratitude for the life, ministry and service of Pope Francis. For the twelve years he served as Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis displayed the heart of a good shepherd in his outreach to the poor and suffering of the world. He worked tirelessly to promote peace and reconciliation at every level of life.”

“May the Risen Christ, whom Pope Francis loved and served with devotion, grant him a place in his heavenly kingdom.”

Bishop James D. Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln

“I am saddened by the news of the death of Pope Francis. The impact of his work for the Catholic Church will be felt for many years to come. His humility and kindness made him a ‘pope of the people.’ He was constantly encouraging us to reach out to those on the peripheries of our society who may be ignored, forgotten and disregarded. He wanted those people to know they are the Church, too, and will always be welcome. 

Pope Francis also defended the dignity of human life at every stage – from conception to natural death. His compassion for all life was unwavering. 

As we mourn his passing in this Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis with the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ let us trust in the hope we have as Christians in the Resurrection. Pope Francis went to his eternal reward during this Easter Octave in which we celebrate the hope of eternal life won through the paschal mystery, the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let us remember the lessons Pope Francis taught us as we strive to bring the love of Jesus Christ and our Catholic Church to the world, starting with those in our own neighborhood.

Thank you, Pope Francis, for your hard work and conviction through the years to our Catholic faith and to every one of us. May God welcome you with open arms and may you rest in His peace.”

Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt of the Diocese of Grand Island

“In charity, let us remember him in our prayers entrusting his soul to God’s mercy.

“In this joyful Easter season, we rejoice in his life of faith and service to the Church. Having suffered in his health, especially most recently, we ask the Lord to welcome him into eternal rest and give him peace.

“I encourage you to remember Pope Francis in your daily prayers between now and when his funeral takes place, perhaps praying the rosary for him as a family and in your other church groups, as well. Let us be united with the Church throughout the world in our kindness and respect for this beloved successor of Saint Peter.”

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago and a native of Omaha

“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.”

Jesuit Father Daniel S. Hendrickson, president of Creighton University

“Pope Francis’ compassion for others and commitment to a ministry that exists not just in the physical confines of a church, but in the actions we take, will leave an indelible mark on the future of the papacy. Let us reflect on his legacy and let his words be a light to shine a path forward toward a better world for all.”

Jesuit Father Matthew C. Spotts, president of Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha

“As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, Pope Francis’ example and teachings have shaped the mission of the Church in powerful ways. In our own mission at Prep, his teachings decorate our halls with words of bold inspiration and, still more importantly, echo in our mission to form young men. His impact cannot be overstated.”

“Pope Francis concluded his Easter message by saying, ‘He fills us with the certainty that we too are called to share in the life that knows no end, when the clash of arms and the rumble of death will be heard no more. Let us entrust ourselves to him, for he alone can make all things new (Rev. 21:5).’ With gratitude for his life, ministry and witness, we commend Pope Francis to the God he loved so well, trusting, as Francis did, in the one who makes all things new.

 “Eternal rest grant unto Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen

“Pope Francis devoted his life to being a servant of Christ. First Lady Suzanne and I are saddened by his passing.”

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts

“Pope Francis will be remembered as a servant of Christ and the Church. His life of humility and devotion to mercy will continue to inspire Catholics worldwide.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Flood

“Pope Francis used his platform to reach out to the least among us and to encourage others to care for and take up the cause of the marginalized.”

U.S. Rep. Don Bacon

“Angie and I are saddened by the loss of Pope Francis, a true servant of God whose devotion uplifted the world. Our prayers are with Nebraska’s Catholic community and the faithful worldwide as we honor his legacy.”

READ MORE FROM THE CATHOLIC VOICE: