Requiescat in pace: Holy Father, Pope Francis

Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray for our deceased Holy Father, Pope Francis. You came on earth to reveal to us and to bestow upon us the eternal love of the Father. Risen  from the dead and Lord of life, look with mercy and compassion upon Pope Francis, who has died after years of service as a Jesuit, priest, bishop and Pope, despite the pressures of age and of serious illness. Through the Holy Spirit, grant him forgiveness for any sins he has committed and for any other failures, and receive him into the joy and peace of eternal life. Requiescat in pace.

Prayer written courtesy of Father George Woodall.

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With profound sorrow, MaterCare International joins the global Church in mourning the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. A man of deep faith and humble service, Pope Francis dedicated his life to the Gospel, to the poor, and to the protection of the most vulnerable including mothers and unborn children, to whom our mission is uniquely devoted.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis was a tireless advocate for mercy, peace, and justice. He reminded us constantly of the need to reach the peripheries, to go out to those on the margins of society, just as Christ did. His papacy challenged us to be a “field hospital” Church, one that heals wounds and warms hearts, especially in times of suffering.

Pope Francis’ commitment to life in all its stages, his concern for the family, and his deep compassion for mothers facing difficult pregnancies were a source of great inspiration for our work. His writings, particularly Evangelii Gaudium and Laudato Si', emphasized the dignity of every human person and called for a renewed solidarity with creation and with one another.

Even as illness and age weighed heavily on him, Pope Francis remained a faithful servant, continuing to speak truth with love and shepherd the Church with courage. His witness of trust in God’s mercy and his unwavering hope in Christ remain a guiding light for all of us.

A Mass will be offered on behalf of MaterCare International for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul, for the Conclave, and for the Church in this time of transition. We entrust him now to the loving arms of the Good Shepherd, whom he followed so faithfully in life.

May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.