The life and papacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, 265th Successor of St. Peter
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected pope on March 13, 2013. He would assume the name of Francis, the first pope to take this name. Pope Francis chose this name in honor of the life and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi.
He was the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years, the first South American pope and the first Jesuit pope.
One of five children of an Italian railway worker and his wife, Pope Francis had a lung removed due to infection when he was a teenager. He earned a master’s degree in chemistry before entering studies at the seminary. He joined the Jesuits in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1969. He taught theology before becoming the rector of the seminary where he had studied.
After becoming archbishop in 1998, he was named a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. He also was appointed to several administrative positions in the Roman Curia, serving on the Congregation of Clergy, Congregation of Divine Worship and Sacraments and the Congregation of Institutes of Consecrated Life, among others.
He remained a simple pastor throughout his ministry, constantly reminding priests to take on the “smell of the sheep.”
Read his full biography on the Vatican website
The Diocese of Grand Rapids Office of Communications issues the following statement from Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of Grand Rapids, in response to the death of Pope Francis:
We are saddened by the death of our Holy Father, yet it is fitting that his passing from this life occurred in the Jubilee Year of Hope, which he inaugurated. For our hope in eternal life springs from our faith in the risen Lord.
Pope Francis sought to break down barriers and draw people into an encounter with Christ in the Catholic Church. Like Jesus, he served those whom the world often considered outcasts. He challenged priests to be shepherds with the ‘smell of the sheep,’ and constantly reminded us of the dignity of the unborn, migrants and refugees, and prisoners. He was a man of action, ministering to the homeless in Rome, visiting refugee camps, and washing the feet of prisoners. His pastoral heart, use of relatable language, and witness to serving people on the margins stand as an example for all people.
It is a privilege to be among the first bishops appointed by Pope Francis during his pontificate. His leadership and witness have shaped my episcopal priorities and ministry over these past 11 years.
May Pope Francis now rest in eternal peace. Please join me in praying for the repose of his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
The Diocese of Grand Rapids serves more than 179,371 Catholics, 79 parishes and 31 schools in an 11-county area of West Michigan.
For additional information, visit our website grdiocese.org. Connect with the diocese on Facebook (Diocese of Grand Rapids) and Instagram (@GRDiocese).
LITURGIES AT HOLY REDEEMER PARISH
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF POPE FRANCIS
EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 21
Rosary at 6:30 p.m.
EASTER TUESDAY, APRIL 22
Rosary at 6:30 p.m.
EASTER WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
Mass at 6:30 p.m.
EASTER THURSDAY, APRIL 24
Mass at 8:30 a.m.
Holy Hour at 12:00 p.m.
Rosary at 6:30 p.m.
EASTER FRIDAY, APRIL 25
Mass at 8:30 a.m.
Rosary at 6:30 p.m.
You will be notified of additional liturgies.
Peace, Father Phong