21.04.2025 - On the death of Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome

 

I heard the truly shocking news as I switched on the TV to listen to the morning news. Although Pope Francis has been struggling with his health over the last few months, it appeared that he was making progress. He had made several appearances during the last few days, over Holy Week. And yesterday, Easter Sunday, he appeared on the Balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to wish the crowds present and indeed all the world, a happy Easter and gave us his blessing.

 

So, to hear this morning, Easter Monday, that the Holy Father had died was a genuine shock. However, I truly believe that from the moment he was elected Pope right up until the last breath he accepted the role of Peter, the Papacy, as a gift from God and trusted that he would be given all that was needed to fulfil the role.

 

He was not afraid to show his own weakness and vulnerability right up to the end believing that God could work through his frailty and teaching us all the lesson that the same is true of us.

 

He will surely be known as the Pope of the poor and the marginalised, for he spent so much of his ministry for and behalf of them. Francis by name and Francis by nature; he brought a real breath of radical fresh air to the ministry of Peter in the Church of today.

 

Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral this morning by the Dean, Canon Paul Farrer and I will celebrate mass there tomorrow morning at 9.30 am for the repose of the soul of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

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Terence P Drainey

Bishop of Middlesbrough