With deep sorrow and gratitude, the Religious Sisters of Charity join the Church throughout the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. We give thanks to God for the gift of his life—a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and commitment to peace and human dignity.
Pope Francis was a true shepherd of Christ: a man of peace, a voice for the voiceless, and a steadfast advocate for justice, mercy, and compassion. His tender love for the poor and marginalised, his deep reverence for the dignity of every person, and his joyful witness to the Gospel have left an indelible mark on the Church and the world.
His encyclical Laudato Si’ has moved us to care more deeply for our common home. It challenges us to face the environmental crisis with both urgency and compassion. This message has been especially important for our Congregation and has strengthened our own dedication to living and acting more sustainably.
We are especially grateful for his encouragement of religious life, his call to serve with humility and joy, and his constant reminder that the Church must walk with those on the peripheries—spiritually, and socially. His desire for a “poor Church for the poor” echoed the very heart of our mission.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis embodied simplicity and closeness to the people. From choosing a modest lifestyle to his spontaneous gestures of compassion, he showed us what it means to live the Gospel with authenticity.
May Pope Francis rest in the eternal peace of Christ.
