Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced early Monday.
His death occurred one day after Easter. He was recently released from the hospital after complications from pneumonia in both lungs.
Bishop John Dolan with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix released the following statement regarding the death of Pope Francis Monday morning:
“With deep sorrow, yet with enduring hope in the Resurrection, we mourn the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. A shepherd to the world, he was a man who listened—truly listened—not only to the faithful within the Church but to people of all faiths and goodwill. He reminded us that even those without faith in God could offer their kind thoughts, and he humbly welcomed them.
“Pope Francis was a man of accompaniment, walking alongside the poor, the marginalized, migrants, refugees, and the displaced. His heart was always with those on the peripheries, and he tirelessly advocated for their dignity and rights. His most recent Synod on Synodality provided a roadmap for the Church’s future, one rooted in encounter and listening. ‘Todos, todos, todos,’ he would say—everyone belongs in the conversation, for the Church is the home of all.
“I was particularly moved by his deep concern for the oppressed, the poorest of the poor, and those who struggle with mental health. His witness to Christ’s love and mercy brought hope to so many who felt forgotten. At a time when the Church risked turning inward, Pope Francis was the right hope— calling us to reclaim our ecumenical and interreligious spirit of dialogue.
“He challenged world leaders, the wealthy, and the middle class never to lose sight of the Gospel’s moral imperative: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ To bishops and priests, he urged a rejection of clericalism, calling us instead to be true pastors, close to the people, with the ‘smell of the sheep’ upon us. He lived this call himself, reaching out with tenderness and compassion to all of God’s children. Now, in this Jubilee Year of Hope, we hear his voice once more: Do not despair. Hope in God will not disappoint. Even in a world torn by turmoil and hopelessness, his life and message remind us that our hope in Christ is never in vain.
“For a man who spent his life hoping in Christ, the Redeemer of the world, we now offer our prayers and thoughts, trusting that our Heavenly Shepherd will lift this worthy servant upon His shoulders and carry him into eternal joy. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
According to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, there are more than two million Catholics that make up its 94 parishes, 24 missions, 29 elementary schools, seven high schools, three universities, and one seminary.
It is one of the fastest-growing Catholic dioceses in the United States.
Aside from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, other local leaders and institutions shared messages with the Catholic community after the passing of Pope Francis:
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego:
“I want to offer my deep condolences to Arizona’s Catholic community, nearly 2 million strong. Pope Francis was more than the head of the Catholic Church—he was a lifelong unwavering advocate for human rights and exemplary example of how to use one’s life to do good. What a profound loss of someone who made it his life’s mission to make others feel welcomed and wanted. We are a better people because of his works and deeds.”
Brophy College Preparatory:
"The news this morning of Pope Francis’ passing marks a sad day for Brophy, the Jesuit community and Catholics around the world. Pope Francis was the first Jesuit to be chosen as Pope, and he lived a life based around those Jesuit values. He stood for compassion and justice, advocated for the marginalized, and was committed to promoting the dignity of all life. Pope Francis also lived with joy and spoke frequently about the 'Joy of the Gospel'— it is through his joy and kindness that he was able to do and say all he did and proclaimed.
"In his passing, Pope Francis leaves behind a powerful legacy. As a Jesuit, he followed St. Ignatius Loyola who wanted his Jesuit sons to imitate Christ, which Pope Francis surely did.
"Brophy strives to raise up 'Men for Others' through love, compassion and service, and the life of Pope Francis offers a tremendous example of the values we work to instill in each of our students. Pope Francis made this a Year of Hope, asking us to be pilgrims of hope. We can follow his example and be filled with God's hope for us."
