Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. He was 88.
Read the full statement below:
With faith and confidence in the promise of Jesus Christ of resurrection to everlasting life we commend the soul of Pope Francis to Almighty God. As the successor of St. Peter, he fulfilled the mission given by Jesus Christ to St. Peter, the first Pope, “Feed my sheep and strengthen the faith of the brothers”. For this, Jesus promised special prayers for St. Peter.
Among the teachings of Pope Francis was that the mercy of God is extended to everyone. :Be not afraid, come to me all you who labor and are heavily burdened.”
He also called all of us to reach out to all who are marginalized. The human person is not disposable. All are created in the image and likeness of God and are called to share His life forever. The child in the womb, the sick, the imprisoned, migrants, sinners and the dispossessed. All are children of God.
He called out the futility of war and urged nations to look for peaceful ways to resolve their differences.
He also called us to be good stewards of creation and to see in the beauty of creation the hand of God, the creator of our common home.
A special Diocesan memorial mass will soon be announced that we may pray for Pope Francis and reflect on his extraordinary life.
May he rest in peace.
Bishop Douglas Deshotel
Catholic Charities of Acadiana has also released a statement:
The life and ministry of Pope Francis beautifully intersected with the values we hold dear at Catholic Charities of Acadiana—boundless mercy, justice, and a deep love for our most vulnerable neighbors.
His humble leadership and unwavering call to care for the poor and marginalized have profoundly shaped our mission and inspired our daily work.
Pope Francis consistently reminded us that the dignity of the human person is not earned, but inherent and God given — rooted in our shared humanity and worthy of reverence.
We are deeply grateful for the example he set and the hope he brought to a world in need of mercy and tenderness.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Kim Boudreaux
CEO, Catholic Charities of Acadiana
50 Years Ago Tape decks and other electronic equipment valued at more than $2,000 were…
Forty state legislators have sent a letter to the Group Insurance Commission board warning about…
SOUTH HADLEY — Voters will decide whether to support construction of a $36.5 million South…
BOSTON — The United Nations has declared 2026 to be the International Year of the…
If you've already given your iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max a retro '80s facelift…
Former Bethesda game tester Colin McInerney once discovered so many crashes in Fallout 4 that…
This website uses cookies.