POPE FRANCIS DEAD AT AGE 88

 

A Message of Sorrow and Hope

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, April 21st, 2025, our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we learn of the passing of Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff and Servant of the Servants of God. Despite our grief, we hold fast to our faith in the victory of Christ over death.

Pope Francis served the Church with profound humility, unwavering faith, and a tireless commitment to the poor, peace, and the care of our common home, the environment. His life and ministry were a powerful witness to the Gospel values of love, mercy, and compassion.

In this moment of great loss for the Universal Church, I invite all bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful across Ghana to offer prayers for the repose of Pope Francis' soul. May the Lord, whom he served so faithfully and joyfully, welcome him into eternal joy.

Honoring His Legacy

To honor Pope Francis' memory, we will celebrate a National Memorial Mass at a later date. All bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful are warmly invited to participate. Local Requiem Masses and Holy Hours will also be organized in archdioceses, dioceses, and parishes.

As we mourn our beloved Holy Father, let us pray for the Church worldwide and prepare our hearts for the election of his successor. May Pope Francis' legacy inspire us to live out the Gospel values he preached.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

In Christ, our Risen Lord,

STATEMENT FROM THE GHANA CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE (GCBC) ON THE DEATH OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS