Bishop Pays Tribute to Pope Francis

Bishop Peter Collins pays tribute to Pope Francis following the passing of the Holy Father, aged 88. 

It is with great sadness that we have received news of the death of Pope Francis. Even though we were fully aware of his continuing frailty in the aftermath of his recent hospitalisation, it was a deep shock to the whole Church and to the entire world to hear that the Holy Father had died just a day after appearing to the crowds at St Peter’s on Easter Sunday.

Having celebrated the glorious day of resurrection, Pope Francis has been called home to the Father’s house. Pope Francis was elected to the Chair of St Peter on 13 March 2013, and we give thanks to almighty God for his service as Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the Universal Church.

The Holy Father chose the name Francis, being inspired by the humble simplicity and the all-embracing compassion of the great saint of Assisi. Pope Francis repeatedly focussed his own ministry on the needs of the poor, the vulnerable, the outcasts. We give thanks for the example he provided of willing and generous service unto the end of his life. His ministry reminded us all that we are called to serve rather than be served.

We entrust the Holy Father to the grace and mercy of almighty God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Amen.

Pope Francis

Successor of the Apostle Peter
Vicar of Christ, Bishop of Rome
Servant of the Servants of God

Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio
Born: December 17, 1936
Made vows: March 12, 1960 in the Society of Jesus
Ordained Priest: December 13, 1969
Consecrated Bishop: June 27, 1992
Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires: June 3, 1997
Installed as Archbishop of Buenos Aires: February 28, 1998
Created Cardinal: February 21, 2001 Cardinal-Priest of St Robert Bellarmine
Elected Pope: March 13, 2013
Inaugurated: March 19, 2013

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