Pope Francis has died - Statement
The Jesuit Institute is grateful to God for the twelve years of generous ministry of Pope Francis. Our work has been inspired and stimulated by his example of pastoral outreach. He has invited the Church to welcome and accompany the outsider, the prisoner, the LGBTQIA+ community, people of other faiths
and none, refugees, and victims of sexual abuse. His vision of a synodal Church has taught us to listen to one another, encountering the Lord in the people we meet along the way.
He has shown us the face of a merciful God who embraces the sinner. He began his papal ministry with an extraordinary Jubilee Year of Grace. The theme of mercy was the guiding light of his papacy. His motto expresses how God has mercy and chooses
us: Miserando atque eligendo.
Pope Francis, as the first Jesuit Pope, has profoundly impacted the Jesuit Institute’s ministry of promoting Ignatian Spirituality. His emphasis on discernment has shed light on the importance of listening to the movement of the Spirit in our hearts. This has marked his service to the Church. The Church is now more open to discerning the role women play in leading the Church
and God’s will for families in all situations they encounter.
Pope Francis’ opening words to the world were: Good Evening (Buona Sera), pray for me. The Jesuit Institute assures him of our prayers. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.
