It is with sadness, yet heartfelt gratitude that we offer prayer and thanksgiving for our Holy Father Pope Francis, who entered eternal life earlier this morning.
His life was a radiant witness to the Gospel – a 12-year long shepherd who was close to the poor, a tireless voice for peace and a humble servant of unity and mercy.
As we mourn his passing and celebrate his pontificate, we do so as people of faith, rooted in the hope of the Resurrection which we celebrate this season.
Pope Francis often reminded us that, “Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world.”
“Christ’s resurrection is not an event of the past; it contains a vital power which has permeated this world.”
(Evangelii Gaudium, 276).
That power continues to animate the Church and inspire us in our shared mission.
In particular, we take to heart his famous words of mercy:
“God’s mercy is our liberation and our happiness. We live for mercy, and we cannot afford to be without mercy. It is the air that we breathe. We are too poor to set any conditions. We need to forgive, because we need to be forgiven.”
Pope Francis
Here at CNEWA Canada, we remain committed to carrying forward his legacy of compassion, dialogue and solidarity – especially with those most in need across the regions in which we serve – the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India, and Eastern Europe.
May Pope Francis’ soul rest in the light and love of our Risen Lord. We pray that his witness continue to guide us on the path of charity and peace.
We also encourage you to offer a prayer for the College of Cardinals, as they discern with the help of the Holy Spirit, our next steps forward as a Church.
God bless,
Adriana Bara, PhD
National Director