Pope Francis (1936-2025) (Memo U2425-093)

Ateneo de Manila University joins the whole Society of Jesus and the universal Church of God in mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis who entered into Life with our risen Lord on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025 at the age of 88.

With deep sorrow, we grieve the departure of our Holy Father whom we will forever remember as a tireless and loving shepherd who guided and inspired God’s flock to the very end. From his teachings on mercy and compassion, to his emphasis on caring for the marginalized and building a synodal Church, to his focus on justice, ecology, and poverty, as well as through his witness of a simple lifestyle, Pope Francis left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world at large during the 12 years of his pontificate.

In his homily at the concluding Holy Mass at the Rizal Park on 18 January 2015, Pope Francis said, “Now, at the end of my visit to the Philippines, I commend you to him, to Jesus who came among us as a child. May he enable all the beloved people of this country to work together, protecting one another, beginning with your families and communities, in building a world of justice, integrity and peace.”

As we continue to reflect on the mystery of Easter, let us remember to thank God for giving us Pope Francis whose life and teachings reflected the indomitable Light of Christ. And just as Pope Francis commended us to Jesus during his visit to the Philippines, let us commend his soul to our Lord with our prayers and grateful hearts as he enters the Father’s house and share in the Master’s joy.

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Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.