April 21, 2025
Monday in Easter Week
Dear Companions on the Faith Journey,
After weeks of hospitalization, Pope Francis recently returned to duty. He offered greetings to Holy Week visitors in St. Peter’s Square, met with visiting dignitaries, and delivered an Easter homily that resounded with the love of God and of God’s people. To hear of his passing this morning was not a shock, but it was surprising just the same. This is a profound loss not just for our Roman Catholic siblings, but for all faithful people who have been buoyed by his boundless encouragement.
Pope Francis’ great love and compassion for all people was a great blessing to many who have been judged, ostracized, or forgotten by the church and her people. His exuberant embrace of the poor and his desire for a healthy planet, respect for migrants, inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in the life of his church, and an end to war, were an inspiration to heads of state and those without a state or home.
I hope that all parishes and people of our diocese will join me in prayer: in thanksgiving for the life and ministry of Pope Francis, for all those who mourn his loss, and for our Roman Catholic siblings.
Father of all, we pray to you for Francis, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes
XI Bishop of Newark
