Archbishop Vásquez’s Statement on the Death of His Holiness, Pope Francis
United with His Eminence, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, the priests, deacons, men and women religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, I am deeply saddened at the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, this morning in Rome.
Pope Francis's life and ministry centered on walking alongside the poor and marginalized, sharing the life-affirming message of the Gospel not only with them but also through them to the entire Church. His deep commitment to supporting all individuals in their happiness and struggles will leave a profound and enduring influence on the Church as it embarks on its continued pilgrimage of faith, hope, and charity.
As pilgrims of hope, we take solace during this Easter season in the Resurrection of Our Lord. Let us offer our prayers for His Holiness, Pope Francis, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.
May the Lord embrace him in His merciful arms. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
I also ask you to pray for Cardinal DiNardo, and the entire College of Cardinals, during this time.
As pilgrims of hope, we take solace during this Easter season in the Resurrection of Our Lord. Let us offer our prayers for His Holiness, Pope Francis, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother.
May the Lord embrace him in His merciful arms. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
I also ask you to pray for Cardinal DiNardo, and the entire College of Cardinals, during this time.
Cardinal DiNardo’s Statement on the Death of His Holiness, Pope Francis
I, along with Archbishop Joe Vásquez, Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, the priests, deacons, men and women religious, and lay faithful express my profound sadness at the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis, this morning in Rome.
The life and ministry of Pope Francis was marked by walking with the poor, and those on the margins of society, to bring the life-giving message of the Gospel to them, and through them, to the whole Church. His intense focus on accompanying all men and women of goodwill in their joys and sorrows will continue to have a lasting impact on the Church as she continues her own pilgrim journey of faith.
As the Church comes together to mourn and pray for the soul of His Holiness, let us commend him to the loving embrace of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, to whom he had such loving devotion.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
I also ask prayers for myself.
Archbishop Vásquez, Cardinal DiNardo and Bishop Dell'Oro to offer Mass for Pope Francis
The Mass of Easter Monday will be offered for the repose of the soul of His Holiness, Pope Francis, by His Excellency, Joe S. Vásquez, joined by His Eminence, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, CRS, this evening, Monday, April 21, at 5:00 p.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston. All are welcome to attend.
The Mass will be livestreamed at www.archgh.org/live.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.