Pope Francis (1936-2025)

Together with Catholics around the world, we mourn the death of Pope Francis and pray for the repose of his immortal soul.

Following the death of Pope Francis, Archbishop John has said that the Holy Father was a Pope for the poor and a Pope for peace. The Holy Father was deeply concerned with the need to reach all people, particularly the marginalised, with the Good News of Jesus. ‘The immense numbers of people who have not received the Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot leave us indifferent,’ (EG 246) he wrote in Evangelii Gaudium. ‘Spiritual conversion, the intensity of the love of God and neighbour, zeal for justice and peace, the Gospel meaning of the poor and of poverty, are required of everyone’ (EG 201).

Pope Francis introduced the instituted Ministry of Catechist and cautioned catechists to be with the Master: to listen to and learn from Him. This is always the case, and it is a way that lasts a lifetime! ‘Be careful',’ he said, ‘I have not said to do the work of a catechist, but rather to be one, because it involves all your life. It means guiding towards the encounter with Jesus with words and with life, with your witness.’

The Synodal path has also found its way into the life of the Archdiocese of Southwark, hundreds participating in the process (see here for the archdiocesan synthesis) and spiritual conversations becoming a part of Parish Planning and the recent diocesan consultations.

His teaching and witness have inspired many and will continue to do so. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.