Francis, the first Jesuit Pope, returns to his heavenly home
Campion College joins the universal Church, our Jesuit communities and people everywhere in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21, 2025.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was voted by his peers to be the 264th Pope on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76. His election marked many firsts for the Vatican; notably, he was the first Latin American and Jesuit to be elected as Pope. And the first Pope to take the name of Francis. This served as a sign of how his formation in the Society of Jesus would shape his pontificate.
“There is a lot to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis on the occasion of his death on Easter Monday. The fact that he took the name of St. Francis for his leadership sums up what he was about: a servant, by example, with sincere humility before the Lord and God’s people. His vision of the Church as a “hospital field” or healing place is deeply rooted in his faith of personal encounter with Christ. May he rest in peace.”
Sami Helewa, SJ, President of Campion College
Pope Francis, throughout his papacy, demonstrated leadership that stemmed from a foundation of humility and was characterized by his profound love for all of creation. Throughout the years, he reached out to the marginalized in society in love and reminded us that we are all one in Christ. His willingness to model compassion opened our eyes to see that we are called to be God’s hands in action for the betterment of our neighbours.
“I am grateful to God for calling Fr. Bergoglio to the papacy. During the past twelve years, Pope Francis, like his namesake, constantly invited us in Jesus not only to speak loudly words of hope to a troubled and sinful world but mostly to be agents of God’s mercy and love in humbly and courageously serving and caring for the most vulnerable and suffering among us. He instructed us to extend the same attention to the very earth itself, our common home. May we joyfully accept those invitations now and always. May Pope Francis rest in peace.”
Frank Obrigewitsch, SJ
This Easter Monday, we mourn Pope Francis while offering our profound gratitude for his dedicated life and commit to carrying on his legacy.
May God grant him eternal rest.
