Gratitude for Pope Francis’ witness to the world

Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. More than 60,000 people came to St. Peter's Basilica last week to view the late pontiff's body and to pay their final respects before the funeral mass on Saturday in St. Peter's Square. Pope Francis, who died of a stroke, was the head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.

At a time when the world seems fractured and uncertain, there are voices that rise above the noise—voices calling us back to what is most essential: mercy, justice, peace, and love for the least among us. Pope Francis has been such a voice.

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