Thoughts on the Legacy of Pope Francis

The Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart join with the Church and the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. Together, we offer our prayers for him. In one sense, what a beautiful liturgical time of the year for passing into the eternal presence and embrace of God - Easter - celebrating the Resurrection!

We express our deep gratitude for his pastoral leadership in the past twelve years.  Pope Francis introduced a breath of fresh air not only within the Catholic Church but within the world.  His entire papacy resonated with reminders that the Catholic Church is to be a Church of compassion, mercy, and reaching out to the periphery, the margins.   His life, actions, words (homilies), and copious writings continue to be an inspiration for the Mission Helper Sisters as we navigate into the future.

In one sense, his last Urbi et Orbi Message on Easter Sunday, 2025, offers the Church and the world his final mandate and dream for us. He wrote: "On this day, I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life, and ideas! For all of us are children of God!"

May Pope Francis' light and dream continue to resonate within us.  May he rest in peace.