In the wake of the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the leader of the Archdiocese of Lincoln, Bishop James Conley has released a statement. “I am saddened by the news of the death of Pope Francis. The impact of his work for the Catholic Church will be felt for many years to come,” Conley says.
His humility and kindness made him a “pope of the people.” He was constantly encouraging us to reach out to those on the peripheries of our society who may be ignored, forgotten and disregarded. He wanted those people to know they are the Church, too, and will always be welcome.”
Conley says Pope Francis also defended the dignity of human life at every stage, from conception to natural death. He says the Pope’s compassion for all life was unwavering. “As we mourn his passing in this Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” let us trust in the hope we have as Christians in the Resurrection. Pope Francis went to his eternal reward during this Easter Octave in which we celebrate the hope of eternal life won through the paschal mystery, the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” .
“Let us remember the lessons Pope Francis taught us as we strive to bring the love of Jesus Christ and our Catholic Church to the world, starting with those in our own neighborhood,” Conley says. “Thank you, Pope Francis, for your hard work and conviction through the years to our Catholic faith and to every one of us. May God welcome you with open arms and may you rest in His peace.”
Despite being ill, Pope Francis greeted thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square after Easter Mass. He had been hospitalized for several weeks in February and March for double pneumonia. The Diocese has announced a memorial Mass for Pope Francis will be held at 5:00 pm Wednesday, April 23rd at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ at 3500 Sheridan Boulevard.