CCUSA mourns the passing of Pope Francis

April 21, 2025

In reaction to the death of Pope Francis, Catholic Charities USA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson issued the following statement: 

Throughout his historic papacy, Pope Francis inspired Catholics and all people of good will to live as Christ did. A modern-day prophet, Pope Francis read the signs of the times and awakened us to meaningful change in our behavior — within the Church and within the world. Complex challenges such as extreme poverty, homelessness, mental illness, forced migration, climate change and war did not intimidate him; they broke his heart and inspired him to call for a more merciful, charitable, just and other-centered world. 

More than any public figure of his time, Pope Francis emulated what he advocated. His authenticity came from his radical belief in God and commitment to be Christlike. He said what he meant, and his actions matched his words with uncommon consistency. Pope Francis exuded empathy. He spent his time in refugee camps, in hospitals, in prisons and in countries torn apart by war. He spoke truth to power. He celebrated his birthday focusing on others: spending time with homeless women and men or sick children. He routinely called the cell phones of people who had suffered to offer encouragement and prayer. He bowed his head and asked for our blessing before giving his inaugural blessing as pope. He declined the apostolic palace in favor of a simple room at Santa Marta. He was a pope of the people, a pope of surprises, a pope of joy and a pope of tenderness.

As we mourn this profound loss, it is impossible not to be reminded of many powerful, stirring images of Pope Francis: iconic pictures of him washing the feet of inmates, of women, of Muslims; exuberant selfies with teenagers; joyful interactions with newly married couples and children; and his loving, tactile embrace of a 53-year-old man afflicted with neurofibromatosis. In 2019, when Pope Francis received South Sudan’s political leaders at the Vatican, he got down on his knees to kiss their feet, imploring them not to return to civil war.

Without fail, Pope Francis asked one thing of everyone he met: “Pray for me.” Today, and in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, let us continue to pray for Pope Francis. Let us also pray fervently that his extraordinary example of selflessness, humility and service will continue to steer us toward a better version of ourselves and a holier world. Let us be people of profound generosity; people who encounter and assist our neighbors; people of justice, peace and charity; people of solace, healing, hope and mercy; people who, like our beloved Pope Francis, exude the light and love of Jesus Christ.