Pope Francis
17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025
By Sister Charmaine Krohe, SSND
It is with great sadness that we, School Sisters of Notre Dame of the Atlantic-Midwest Province, join with the global community to mourn the passing of our dear Holy Father, Pope Francis. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the gift of his life and pontificate.
Through his life and teachings, he showed us how to live simply, champion the poor and vulnerable, embrace all cultures and faiths, advocate for justice and peace, listen to the cries of the earth, and respond to the needs of the world with compassionate love. He was the quintessential example of servant leadership who embodied the values of the Gospel and reminded us that mercy matters. He was a man who challenged us in this Jubilee Year to be Pilgrims of Hope.
When Pope Francis welcomed the School Sisters of Notre Dame on the occasion of our 25th General Chapter, he thanked us for making Christ visible by our presence, faith, hope, and love in a fractured and divided world. He encouraged us to continue being, “courageous witnesses of evangelical solidarity at a time when many are experiencing fragmentation and disunity.” He invited us, "to discern how (we) can more effectively bear witness to the joy of the Gospel, especially through (our) educational apostolate and service. I bless you and all your sisters throughout the world from my heart," he said.
As we prepare for the election of new leadership in our province, may we seek leaders who, like Pope Francis, call us to respond to the needs of the world with one heart and one soul.
Rest in peace, Pope Francis. We will miss you!
