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We cannot understand Pope Francis “if we don’t understand that he was a man of God … a friend of God,” said Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican’s permanent observer to the United Nations. He made this statement during a memorial Mass for the pope on April 26 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
“He believed God was his compass,” the archbishop stated. This belief provided Pope Francis with freedom, as highlighted in Archbishop Caccia's homily. Caccia referenced Pope Francis’ first encyclical, “Lumen Fidei” (“The Light of Faith”), issued in 2013, which encouraged Catholics to embrace their faith more fully.
Archbishop Caccia noted that Pope Francis’ belief in God was his strength and vocation. He also emphasized the pope’s election decision for selecting St. Francis of Assisi as his namesake due to his service to the poor, constant calls for peace, and focus on care for creation.
Pope Francis expressed a desire “to be at the service of the poor, not just to be for the poor.” This desire manifested throughout his papacy, Archbishop Caccia remarked. He also underlined the pope's faith in prayer, evidenced by his regular requests for prayers when addressing audiences globally.
At St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica in Toronto, Cardinal Francis Leo stated that the requiem Mass was not solely about mourning. He quoted Jesus’ words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” to offer comfort.
"We began Mass at Easter when the church was dark before we lit the light of Christ," Cardinal Leo said, reflecting on the symbolism of light and darkness during the homily. He shared that Pope Francis had a unique mission to transmit the light of Christ.
Cardinal Leo mentioned Pope Francis' embodiment of "closeness, compassion, and tenderness" during his 12-year pontificate. The cardinal expressed gratitude for Pope Francis' influence and prayed for his eternal rest.
Archbishop J. Michael Miller from the Archdiocese of Vancouver remarked that Pope Francis would be remembered as “the ‘pope of the peripheries’” and for urging the church to reach those on the margins.
“With boldness and a willingness to disregard papal customs, he used his pulpit to give voice to the voiceless,” Archbishop Miller stated. He noted Pope Francis’ strong opposition to issues like the globalization of indifference, the ideological colonization of the developing world, and the throwaway culture.
In Washington, 88 bells tolled at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for each year of Pope Francis’ life. Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the principal celebrant, described Pope Francis as deeply rooted in the Gospel and devoted to a vision of the church as a “field hospital."
Cardinal Pierre and Cardinal Robert McElroy spoke to the media about Pope Francis' life and its significance. Cardinal Pierre emphasized living a life shaped by the Gospel's values as worthwhile and a way to plant seeds for a better world. Cardinal McElroy highlighted hope and humility as important aspects taught by Pope Francis.
The report was compiled by OSV News staff, with contributions from Luke Mandato and Nicole Olea.
