“The Notre Dame community joins with the Church and the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” Father Dowd, said. “Through his heroic and prophetic ministry, he has inspired and challenged us to respect the God-given dignity of all people and the integrity of creation. The Holy Father’s life and witness call us to awaken from indifference to the suffering of others, to embrace our responsibilities to one another and to be agents of faith, hope and love for a world in need. As Pope Francis often reminded us, no one is far from God’s merciful love, and the Church must be a ‘field hospital’ to warm hearts, heal wounds and open doors."

You can find the full statement from Father Dowd on Notre Dame's website.

Bishop Edward M. Lohse of the Diocese of Kalamazoo released the following statement regarding Pope Francis’ death:

“I join with all of the faithful in the Diocese of Kalamazoo in offering prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. His impact on the Catholic Church during the twelve years of his pontificate has been immense. While we personally mourn his loss among us, we place our hope in the promise of eternal life.

“Pope Francis will be known for calling the Church to reach out actively to our brothers and sisters who live ‘in the periphery’, as he was accustomed to say. He will be remembered for his teaching, especially his four encyclicals including Laudato Sì and his concern for our common home, but most especially I think that he will be remembered for his compassion toward those who find themselves struggling with life or faith or hope.

“We were fortunate in this country to experience his 2015 Apostolic Visit to the United States, with his addresses both to Congress and the United Nations and his presence during the World Meeting of Families. During my years working in Rome, whenever I had the privilege to see or hear Pope Francis in person, his warmth and compassion and fidelity to the faith always came through clearly.

“During these days of mourning, I invite all people of good will to join us in prayer, asking God to welcome Pope Francis into the Heavenly Kingdom and giving thanks for the graces of his pontificate."

Below is the letter President Katie Conboy sent to the campus community:

Dear Saint Mary’s Community,

With profound sorrow, we reflect upon the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A shepherd of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith, Pope Francis dedicated his life to serving the Church and the world, inspiring countless people with his message of love, mercy, and justice.

Saint Mary’s College joins the global Church in mourning his loss. With the universal Church, we pray:

O God, immortal shepherd of souls,
look on your people’s prayers
and grant that your servant Pope Francis,
who presided over your Church in charity,
may, with the flock entrusted to his care,
receive from your mercy the reward of a faithful steward.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
- The Roman Missal (2011), Prayers for the Dead – For A Pope (p. 1403)

We invite our community to come together in prayer, reflection, and gratitude for his leadership and legacy, and the Center for Faith, Action, and Ministry will be sharing prayer opportunities and resources over the coming days. May we find comfort in his enduring example and continue to live out his call to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable among us.

Spes unica,

Katie Conboy, Ph.D.

President

ROME -- Pope Francis has died, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo announced.

A short while ago, His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, announced with sorrow the death of Pope Francis, with these words:

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God," said Cardinal Ferrell.