Archbishop Charles C. Thompson on the passing of Pope Francis

Pope Francis was, in his own words, “a man of the Church.” In his many years as a Jesuit priest, a bishop in his native Argentina, and as the Bishop of Rome, the successor of St. Peter, he was filled with holiness, missionary zeal, and confidence in the presence of the Holy Spirit. As a pastor, Pope Francis was committed to leading our Church in a synodal way, urging all pastors to accompany their flocks—especially the poor and marginalized—as we minister to a world in desperate need of Christ’s peace and love.

Pope Francis had an unwavering passion and devotion to the faith, to the Church, and to the people of God everywhere. He was a good and faithful servant, a loyal son of the Church. May he rest in eternal peace, gazing on the face of God.

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson

Easter Triduum 2025

As the Universal Church looks toward the Jubilee Year 2025 (the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of our Lord), the USCCB is thrilled to support the Holy Father in this "event of great spiritual, ecclesial, and social significance in the life of the Church."

Pope Francis stated in his February 2022 letter announcing the Jubilee 2025: "We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire..."