Quotes
He has returned to the house of his father."
After both deaths, the same words were used by Vatican officials to describe the "trip" the Popes took on those fateful days We mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a visionary leader of faith and a tireless advocate for the marginalized. His life was a testament to hope — the hope that the Church can shine as a beacon of light in a darkening world. Now, more than ever, that message is needed. We have lost one of its most steadfast champions."
Samuel Rodriguez of Sacramento, California, commented As an evangelical leader, I reflect on Pope Francis’ passing with gratitude for his service and heart for the poor. His leadership inspires us to call for a renewed commitment in the Catholic Church to the Bible’s authority as the guide for faith and practice."
Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern (ICC) and a leading expert on religious persecution around the world, shared The Bible is clear that we need to pray for our leaders. We can pray for Pope Francis, for his soul. There is no greater goal than to hear, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant’ from Jesus. God has called all of us to shine His light in a dark world."
Pastor Jesse Bradley of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington, commented It also got him into trouble, especially when speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane following a trip overseas. On many occasions, following a chat with journalists, the Vatican press corps had to clarify what he meant. But no one criticized him for not speaking from the heart."
Pope Francis was a voice for unity and understanding among all faith groups amid increasing polarization, and I join the Catholic Church as they grieve his death. His legacy reminds us that ministry must not be limited to those who belong to our faith or those who agree with us. It must be for all people."
Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, based in India, told Fox News Digital The pope dedicated his life in service to God, and we can turn to Jesus now with all of our hearts. There’s no greater decision than to follow Jesus both daily and eternally. Grace is an undeserved gift, heaven is real, and Jesus died for our sins. During this time of grieving, may we be comforted by these everlasting truths and indestructible hope."
Pope Francis had an appreciation for creation and a heart of compassion. His leadership included prayers during the pandemic even when Saint Peter’s Square was empty. His passing comes the day after Easter, which is a clear reminder that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Death is not the end of the story — because Jesus is victorious and the grave is empty."
Catholics around the globe are mourning the death of Pope Francis. He touched millions of the faithful, including non-Catholics and non-believers. When Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio assumed the role of Pope Francis, his down-to-earth style captured the plaudits of Catholics and non-Catholics alike. It was his unscripted, and often spontaneous, manner of speaking that made him so authentic and appealing."
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, told Fox News Digital Despite our theological differences, evangelicals and Catholics stand united in proclaiming Jesus Christ as the world’s only hope. As the Catholic Church navigates this transition, we pray for revival and a shared devotion to lifting up Jesus as the way, truth and life."
Even more significant, his attack on traditionalists, especially those who favor the Latin Mass, were frequent and lacking in nuance."
Pope Francis’ legacy reminds us of the critical importance of cooperation between faith groups and that more good can be accomplished when we work together."
As the first pope from the Americas — though of Italian immigrant parentage — his election was historic. While improbable, it is not entirely inconceivable the next conclave could result in the first African pope since ancient times, especially considering the Church’s dynamic growth on the continent."
Unfortunately, the end of his pontificate was troubling. His approval of a Vatican document that allows priests to bless same-sex couples was met with widespread criticism. Indeed, it was so divisive that it seriously undid much of the goodwill he previously earned … For the most part, the media treated Francis with kindness."
The invitation from our Lord is for everyone. If the pope had a message today, it would be that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life — and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6) and John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.’
He changed the way we think about service to others and service to all and who is worthy of being served by a pope and respected by a pope,
He also had a strong awareness of the global nature of the church,
I think to him, everyone is deserving of a blessing,
Even as pope, he wanted to be treated as an ordinary person,
I think all of those things showed up in Pope Francis’ papacy,
