Remembering Pope Francis
Credit The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton
May we be sustained by the conviction that education bears within itself a seed of hope: the hope of peace and justice; the hope of beauty and goodness; the hope of social harmony
Pope Francis October 2020
With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, Edmonton Catholic Schools joins Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.
A true shepherd of Christ, His Holiness helped guide us in the footsteps of our Lord, and was a beacon of hope, who led with humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Argentina on December 17, 1936. At the age of 17, he felt a calling to a life of religion and just days before his 33rd birthday, was ordained a priest. In 2001, Pope John Paul II created him Cardinal and on March 13, 2013, was elected the 266th Pope - the first from Latin America. He chose the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, who was a man of poverty, and a man of peace.
His Holiness made a penitential visit to Canada, including Edmonton, in 2022. Fulfilling a promise to the Indigenous community, Pope Francis took a significant step in the journey towards reconciliation. He also held mass in front of tens of thousands of followers at Commonwealth Stadium.
Pope Francis was enamoured with education. Throughout his life, he taught literature and psychology and earned a doctorate in theology. A lifelong learner, Pope Francis has described education as "…a matter of love and responsibility handed down from one generation to another." The Pope also encouraged young people to be agents of change who live with faith, kindness, and a commitment to serving others.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
A special prayer in honour of Pope Francis will be shared at every school in our Division.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (+). Amen.
Loving Father, you sent your Son into the world to redeem us by his Cross and Resurrection. Send your Spirit upon us in our schools and sites as we remember and mourn the passing of our beloved Pope Francis.
In our shock and sadness, we come before you. Give us courage and strength and help us to heal the moments of sorrow in our lives. We pray for Pope Francis, for his family and friends, and for all those grieving his death around the world.
When we are struggling to see clearly, remind us that we are not alone. Bring to fulfillment all that you have given us and give us the wisdom to hear your voice, and the firm footsteps to follow your path. Come live in our hearts and console us by your love and compassion.
Through the intercession of our Most Blessed Mother, Mary, the Mother of God, we ask you to guide and comfort us: Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.
God of endless ages, from one generation to the next you have been our refuge and strength. Before the mountains were born or the earth came to be, you are God. Have mercy now on your servant Pope Francis, whose long life was spent in your service. Give him a place in your kingdom, where hope is firm for all who love, and rest is sure for all who serve.
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
May almighty God bless us with his peace and consolation, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. (+) Amen.
To see how the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton is marking the passing of Pope Francis, visit their website.
Learn more about the life of Pope Francis on the Vatican’s official news site.
How to talk with my child about the Pope's death?
We recognize this can be particularly challenging for young students to understand and process. Here are a few suggestions for approaching these conversations in your own home:
- Be attentive to your children when they have questions and want to talk.
- Listen to your child’s feelings and accept them, even if they are different from yours.
- Give honest, simple, brief answers to your child’s questions.
- Make sure your child understands your answers and your intended meaning.
- Use words or phrases that won’t confuse your child or make the world more frightening. For example, using the word “sleep” for death can cause a child to be afraid of going to bed.
- Create opportunities for your children to talk with each other about what happened and how they are feeling.
- Above all, listen to your children and let them know that their feelings are normal and acceptable. You can also visit myhealth.alberta.ca for more resources to help children with grief.
What is Edmonton Catholic School Division doing to mark the passing of the Pope?
There will be a special prayer at every Edmonton Catholic School.
We encourage families to check with the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton to attend a special mass in honour of Pope Francis.