Bishop Barron on the Passing of Pope Francis

Rochester, MN – Bishop Robert Barron, Diocese of Winona-Rochester, released the statement below following the death of Pope Francis:

“Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, has reached the end of his earthly pilgrimage. Pope Francis was a great pastor who spoke from the heart and with tender affection. I had the pleasure of meeting with Pope Francis several times during his papacy. On the occasions when he and I spoke, his comments would burn their way into my heart and mind. During a meeting with my fellow bishops, he reminded us that “the first task of a bishop is to pray.”

Pope Francis’ papacy was marked by two master themes: mercy and evangelization. In an interview, he famously remarked that the Church is a field hospital to those wounded by our postmodern, relativistic society. It must, first and foremost, heal the wounds. Pope Francis had a keen awareness of the destructiveness of sin, and he encouraged the Church to show the world the merciful face of Christ. He also emphasized the importance of our personal witness to the light of faith, drawing others to the life-giving joy of the Gospel. 

As we celebrate Pope Francis’ life and legacy, please join me in praying for the repose of his soul.”