Statement from the Bishop on Death of Pope Francis

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is with deepest prayers and a profound trust in the mercy of Jesus Christ, that we mourn the death of Pope Francis. We remember Pope Francis for his evangelizing zeal, desire for peace in the world, and love for the poor.

How fitting that Pope Francis died during the Jubilee of Hope. In “Spes Non Confundit,” the Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year, Pope Francis wrote, “What, then, will become of us after death? With Jesus, beyond this threshold we will find eternal life, consisting in full communion with God as we forever contemplate and share in his infinite love. All that we now experience in hope, we shall then see in reality.”

As we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, please pray a Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet for the repose of his soul.

I am planning to offer a special Mass for the Dead on the day of Pope Francis’ funeral, when that date is determined. 

In addition to personal prayers and prayer intentions at Mass, please watch for announcements in your parish or pastorate about special Mass celebrations for Pope Francis once the Octave of Easter is concluded.

During this Octave of Easter and the Jubilee Year of Hope, I pray that Pope Francis may know the fullness of Jesus’ Resurrection, which he bore witness to by his life of papal service. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

+Donald J. Hying

Bishop of Madison