As Pope Francis’ death affects Catholics in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis as well as members of various faith communities in the Twin Cities, many are sharing their reflections. Read these reflections in the article below, which will continue to be updated. Those who would like to share a brief reflection about an encounter with Pope Francis may reach The Catholic Spirit at catholicspirit@archspm.org.
BASILICA PASTOR OFFERS PRAYERS
Father Daniel Griffith, pastor of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, shared the following:
The Basilica of Saint Mary community expresses our profound sadness at the death of Pope Francis. We also express our prayers for the repose of the soul of Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) and for the Catholic Church and its leaders who will gather to mourn the death of Pope Francis, celebrate his amazing life, and choose Francis’s successor. Having greeted those who attended Holy Week and Easter services, it is profound that Pope Francis died on Easter Monday where we celebrate the gift of new life in Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis captivated the world when he was elected pope in March of 2013. Francis’s simplicity of life, exhortation to go out to the peripheries in service to those in need, message of God’s inclusive love, and courage in challenging behaviors and actions deleterious to the poor will leave a lasting impact on our world. Pope Francis was also a man of peace who transcended barriers and divisions and sowed seeds of justice and concord. In faith, we are assured that his good deeds go with him to the Lord of life.
As a basilica generally and as America’s first basilica specifically, The Basilica of Saint Mary enjoys a special closeness to the pope. Pope Francis was beloved by the community of The Basilica and inspired by his message of God’s inclusive welcome and embrace — a message we integrate into our liturgies and parish life. As the world, Catholics, and all people of good will prepare to say farewell to Pope Francis, may we collectively take up his vital work of building a more just, humane, and peaceful world.
SEMINARY LEADERS REFLECT
Father Jonathan Kelly, rector of St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, reflected on Pope Francis’ witness to the world:
Pope Francis’ witness of poverty inspired our culture and the Church. He influenced seminary formation by emphasizing the importance of individual accompaniment in forming missionary disciples. This deeply resonates with our culture at Saint John Vianney (SJV) and over the last 12 years has shaped how our seminarians engage in campus life at (the University of) St. Thomas.
At SJV, we are praying in earnest for his repose and for the conclave with growing excitement as the Holy Spirit chooses the next Holy Father to lead our Church. SJV seminarians participating in our Rome semester will attend Pope Francis’ funeral, and when the time comes for the bells of Rome to ring at white smoke, they will run to St. Peter’s Square to welcome our new Holy Father — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these men. It is very special to walk with our seminarians through these times.
Father Joseph Taphorn, rector of The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, offered prayers on behalf of the seminary:
Here during the octave of Easter, it is with sorrow and deep faith that The Saint Paul Seminary community joins the Church and the world in mourning the loss of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and praying for his eternal repose. His life of service, humility, and tireless dedication to the Gospel has left an indelible mark on the Church and the hearts of millions.
Those among our seminarians, faculty, and staff who had the blessing of meeting Pope Francis in-person experienced his warmth, wisdom, and Christ-like love. He touched them deeply, inspiring their vocations and strengthening their resolve to serve the Church with humility and joy.
Yet, even amid our grief, we are filled with great hope — hope in the mercy of God for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul and hope that the Holy Spirit will guide the College of Cardinals in electing a new pope. In this pivotal moment for the Church — when strong, authentic, and joyful Catholic leadership is needed more than ever — we trust in God’s providence to raise up a shepherd who will lead with faith, courage and compassion.
We invite all to join us in prayer for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul and for the Church as she navigates this season of transition. May our Blessed Mother intercede for us as we pray, “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
LOCAL CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS SHARE STATEMENTS
Catholic Charities USA President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson issued the following statement, shared by Catholic Charities Twin Cities:
Throughout his historic papacy, Pope Francis inspired Catholics and all people of good will to live as Christ did. A modern-day prophet, Pope Francis read the signs of the times and awakened us to meaningful change in our behavior — within the Church and within the world. Complex challenges such as extreme poverty, homelessness, mental illness, forced migration, climate change and war did not intimidate him; they broke his heart and inspired him to call for a more merciful, charitable, just and other-centered world.
More than any public figure of his time, Pope Francis emulated what he advocated. His authenticity came from his radical belief in God and commitment to be Christlike. He said what he meant, and his actions matched his words with uncommon consistency. Pope Francis exuded empathy. He spent his time in refugee camps, in hospitals, in prisons and in countries torn apart by war. He spoke truth to power. He celebrated his birthday focusing on others: spending time with homeless women and men or sick children. He routinely called the cell phones of people who had suffered to offer encouragement and prayer. He bowed his head and asked for our blessing before giving his inaugural blessing as pope. He declined the apostolic palace in favor of a simple room at Santa Marta. He was a pope of the people, a pope of surprises, a pope of joy and a pope of tenderness.
As we mourn this profound loss, it is impossible not to be reminded of many powerful, stirring images of Pope Francis: iconic pictures of him washing the feet of inmates, of women, of Muslims; exuberant selfies with teenagers; joyful interactions with newly married couples and children; and his loving, tactile embrace of a 53-year-old man afflicted with neurofibromatosis. In 2019, when Pope Francis received South Sudan’s political leaders at the Vatican, he got down on his knees to kiss their feet, imploring them not to return to civil war.
Without fail, Pope Francis asked one thing of everyone he met: “Pray for me.” Today, and in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, let us continue to pray for Pope Francis. Let us also pray fervently that his extraordinary example of selflessness, humility and service will continue to steer us toward a better version of ourselves and a holier world. Let us be people of profound generosity; people who encounter and assist our neighbors; people of justice, peace and charity; people of solace, healing, hope and mercy; people who, like our beloved Pope Francis, exude the light and love of Jesus Christ.
Anne Cullen Miller, president of the St. Paul-based Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota, issued the following statement:
As we mourn the death of Pope Francis and pray for the repose of his soul, we also give thanks for his leadership and example.
Pope Francis lived the Gospels. He reminded us every day to care for each other, especially the poor, our environment, and those living in desperate situations — whether from war, hunger, or being invisible within their own families or communities. He preached love. He lived love. Through his example, Pope Francis made it easy to better understand how we are called to live as community. He was a generous, other-centered human being.
Last November, I had the incredible opportunity while on pilgrimage with FADICA to attend a private audience with Pope Francis. During that meeting, The Holy Father acknowledged the contributions FADICA has made for the Catholic Church, noting their work in supporting various initiatives and their quiet encouragement of the faith in the United States.
In his remarks to us, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of love as a transformative force — both in individual lives and in the Church. “Love always transforms, changes things,” he told us. He encouraged us to act synodally, working together in a collaborative and participatory way. He closed by commending us to continue sharing Christ’s love — which is exactly what he did, up to his final hours and his final breath.
What do we do now? We shall carry on the example of Pope Francis. Be generous. Think about others first. Never forget the poor, and remember that those we serve possess the face of God. We are called to use our feet and our hearts to honor his unselfish, other-centered life.
There is a saying often attributed to the Holy Father’s namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, that could easily have been the pope’s mission statement: “Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.”
As we reflect over the coming weeks on the mission and ministry of Pope Francis, may we be inspired to walk together in a spirit of communion, participation, and mission.
In a social media post, the Minnesota Knights of Columbus wrote:
With deep sorrow and abiding gratitude, the Knights of Columbus mourn the passing of Pope Francis. A shepherd of mercy, humility, and compassion, he led the Church with the heart of a father — championing the poor, calling us to deeper faith, and reminding the world of God’s boundless love.
West St. Paul-based NET Ministries posted to social media:
We mourn the loss of our pope and pray for his soul and for guidance in the Church during this time.
Resurrection Cemetery, based in Mendota Heights, posted to social media:
Together with the global Catholic community, we mourn the loss of Pope Francis who returned Home this day.
We remember Pope Francis — shepherd of hope, messenger of mercy, and champion for the marginalized. He reminded the world that God’s love knows no boundaries, and that the Church is a home for all, especially the brokenhearted.
His light still shines in the lives of those who were touched by his words and actions. May we carry his legacy forward with grace, courage, and faith, walking humbly in service to others. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
In a social media post, St. Lawrence Catholic Church and Newman Center in Minneapolis wrote:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
LOCAL CATHOLIC UNIVERSITIES SHARE STATEMENTS
Marcheta Evans, president of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, also issued a statement on behalf of the university:
The entire St. Catherine University community joins the world in mourning the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis.
His papacy will be remembered not only for its humility and grace, but for a powerful re-centering of the Church’s mission — toward the poor, the marginalized, the environment, and those often left unseen. As the Vatican so eloquently stated, “he taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love.”
Those words call to mind the charism of our founding order, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, “moving always toward the profound love of God, and love of neighbor without distinction.” Pope Francis was a spiritual giant whose heart beat with profound compassion for the world’s most vulnerable.
We are fortunate to have interacted with Pope Francis at both the beginning and end of his papacy: in 2014, our students were fortunate to visit Rome on a pilgrimage and see His Holiness in St. Peter’s Square. And in 2024, more of our students got to meet His Holiness in an audience where they presented findings on their “Welcoming the Dear Neighbor” community work.
We join the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in praying for the repose of Pope Francis’s soul. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
To social media, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota (with campuses in Minneapolis and Winona) posted the following statement:
Saint Mary’s joins the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis. We would like to recognize the profound impact he made on both the Catholic Church and the world. As a Lasallian Catholic university, Pope Francis’ call to service and justice resonate throughout the Saint Mary’s community. We will continue to honor his teachings and legacy, deeply committed to the flourishing of the human person in all its dimensions – intellectual, moral, and spiritual.
In a post to social media, the University of St. Thomas (with campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis) stated:
The University of St. Thomas community joins people around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. We honor his call to build a “culture of encounter” by striving to see, listen, and accompany one another with compassion — allowing ourselves to be moved, to draw near, and to give life and hope to those we meet.
MEMBERS OF THE ARCHDIOCESE REACT
Maria Wiering, OSV News senior writer and a parishioner of St. Mary in Lowertown, St. Paul, reflected on her journey to Rome in October 2022:
I traveled to Rome with Archbishop Bernard Hebda and others involved in the Archdiocesan Synod held earlier that year. As part of our pilgrimage, we attended a Wednesday general audience, and Archbishop Hebda made it possible for us to greet the Holy Father afterward. As we approached Pope Francis on the platform outside of St. Peter’s Basilica, Archbishop Hebda explained our role in the Archdiocesan Synod and introduced its leaders, Therese Coons and Father Joseph Bambenek. Then he invited me closer to the pope and told him I was expecting a child. Pope Francis put his hand on my belly, and he asked me in English when the baby was due. I told him January. He then prayed for my child and blessed us. It was a deeply moving moment, like a tender exchange with a grandfather. It also heighted my peace and joy in welcoming our fourth child, Mark Joseph Michael Francis Pedersen, amid a time of major professional transition, as I was leaving The Catholic Spirit after nearly eight years as editor-in-chief to help launch OSV News. I am incredibly grateful to Archbishop Hebda for making that moment possible. Months later, when Archbishop Hebda baptized our son, we included “Francis” among his middle names to commemorate his connection to our Holy Father. May Pope Francis rest in peace.
In an April 22 story by Maria Wiering at OSV News, Mychael Schilmoeller, a former pastoral care minister at St. Michael in Prior Lake, recalled meeting the pope:
Mychael Schilmoeller, 38, also experienced the lasting impact of Pope Francis’ surprise attention and prayer. Now a real estate agent, Schilmoeller was a pastoral care minister at St. Michael in Prior Lake when she traveled with a group of young adults accompanying Minnesota’s bishops to Rome for their ad limina visit with Pope Francis in January 2020.
She was also visibly eight months pregnant with the second of her three daughters.
Her group was invited to meet with Pope Francis after a Wednesday general audience, and her belly caught the pope’s eye. He approached her, met her eyes, took her hand and touched her stomach, and prayed silently.
“That moment is very embedded in my memory,” she told OSV News. “It’s incredibly special for my family, particularly for the child that I was pregnant with at the time. … His presence was remarkable, truly calming and so generous.”
He had asked when she was due, and she told him around St. Patrick’s Day. The baby was actually due a little later than that, but her birthdate ultimately was March 17. That daughter, Rowan, is now 5.
“Pope Francis has always been very passionate about the teachings of the Gospel and the Catholic Church, and his remarks about the dignity of life have always been reinforced in terms of my own beliefs, but knowing his actions, in terms of seeing a mother expecting a child and seeing his smile and delight in that … was so touching,” Schilmoeller said. “He valued this life, and I know that is not always the common reaction.”
Like many Catholics in the United States, Schilmoeller woke up April 21 to news of the pope’s death. “I’m deeply saddened for the loss of a great pope,” she said. “I think the last 12 years have been so incredible. … His remarks have just crossed over to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, and I think that’s one of the aspects of his papacy that is so remarkable.”
LOCAL FAITH COMMUNITIES RESPOND
In a letter to Jason Adkins, executive director and general counsel of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the president of the Islamic Center of Minnesota expressed condolences:
Dear Jason,
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
On behalf of the Islamic Center of Minnesota, we extend our heartfelt condolences to you, members of the Archdiocese of Minnesota and the worldwide Catholic community at this time of immeasurable loss.
Pope Francis’ life exemplified his earnest commitment to concepts of peace, justice, and compassion for marginalized communities throughout the world. He served as a global ambassador for world peace. He advocated with world leaders for actions rooted in justice, not political gains. He gave voice to the cries of marginalized groups, serving as a reminder of our collective moral obligation to serve the poor and those in need.
His lifelong journey inspired us profoundly, highlighting our shared responsibility to promote compassion, peace, and mutual respect.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of mourning. May Pope Francis’ legacy serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.
With deepest sympathy,
Zaheer Baber, president of the Islamic Center of Minnesota
In a letter to Archbishop Bernard Heba, the chief executive officer of the Minnesota Council of Churches offered prayers and noted the following statement was posted on the organization’s website:
Pope Francis was a powerful witness to many of the values that Minnesota Council of Churches traditions hold dear, such as a faith lived out in solidarity with people who are poor and marginalized, a genuine love for the world, and a commitment to caring for the good Creation that God has given us to steward. We are grateful for his leadership in the global body of Christ as well as for his appointment of our partners in Minnesota, such as Archbishop Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. His reinvigorating leadership of a millenia-old church and the excitement it drew in so many, even non-Catholics, was a victory that all traditions should celebrate this Easter Season.
While Catholic judicatories are not members of the Minnesota Council of Churches, we value our past, present and future partnerships with them, and with Catholic institutions such as the University of St. Thomas, on matters of public health, creation care, interfaith events, depolarizing conflict and legislative advocacy. Our prayers are with those of our siblings in the Christian faith and people around the world of all traditions who mourn the loss, but celebrate the life, of this beloved faith leader and public theologian.
-Elder Suzanne P. Kelly, CEO, Minnesota Council of Churches
Father Brian Paulson, president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, which includes Minnesota and other states in the Midwest Province, issued a statement on Pope Francis’ death:
I join the countless people around the world who are mourning the death of the Holy Father Pope Francis at this hour. I pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family, friends and brother Jesuits. While more thorough reflections and examinations of Pope Francis’ legacy will be published in the coming weeks and months, I wanted to offer this brief expression of gratitude for the Holy Father’s extraordinary life of service to God’s people, energized by the love of Christ.
First and foremost, Pope Francis was a pastor. He consistently encouraged bishops, priests and all church ministers to meet people wherever they are in their life journeys, in messiness and complexity and ambiguity, and to help them grow in holiness. The Holy Father’s witness as a shepherd “with the smell of the sheep” from closeness to those on the peripheries of the church and society always inspired and challenged me in my own priestly ministry.
And Pope Francis indeed went to the peripheries time after time: His first official trip outside of Rome as pope was to visit the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa, a common entry point to Europe for migrants, to pray and advocate for those who had left their homes and risked their lives in pursuit of a better future. He washed the feet of prisoners at Holy Thursday liturgies. He directed the construction of showers for the homeless in St. Peter’s Square. And he appointed cardinals from regions on the planet that had never seen a cardinal named there before — the Amazon, the Philippines, South Sudan, Myanmar and more. These decisions and hundreds of similar ones made headlines so often during Francis’ papacy that it’s easy for us to take them for granted, but let us not forget how much his boldness surprised us. I believe Pope Francis will always be remembered for how he brought marginalized individuals and communities to the heart of the church.
I also believe future appreciations of Pope Francis’ leadership will reflect the ways his reforms in church governance, the roles of the laity, and the social engagement of the church in service to the world were rooted in the teachings of Vatican II. The “Francis Project,” as it has sometimes been called, was not his own personal vision alone, but one formed by his experiences as a leader in the Latin American church in the decades following the Council.
The distinctly Ignatian influence on Pope Francis’ ministry was also unmistakable. In listening to Pope Francis and reading his writings, it is clear to me how much his thought was marked by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The Spiritual Exercises are a “school of the heart” that help a retreatant to grow in self-knowledge of their gifts, weaknesses and sinfulness while meditating on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Ignatian spirituality is extraordinarily practical; it engages our own hopes, desires, dreams, struggles, joys and sorrows. In works like “Evangelii Gaudium” and “Laudato Si’,” just to name two, Pope Francis offered his own “school of the heart” meditations, inviting all believers to find the joy of the Gospel within their everyday lives and to commit to responding to “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor” as an integral, concrete part of discipleship.
In recent years, the Synod on Synodality emerged as a signature moment of Pope Francis’ outreach toward the peripheries, calling the universal Catholic Church to live a deeper and more inclusive process of listening that includes the voices of all stakeholders. I pray this new mode of dialogue and decision-making continues to develop and take root in the church in the years to come.
I will close this brief reflection with a quote from “Evangelii Gaudium,” the richness of which will continue to make the document a gift to the church for generations. In the quote, as in the exhortation as a whole, we get a sense of what Pope Francis saw as the heart of the spiritual life. “Before all else,” Pope Francis writes, “the Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others.” Let us honor Pope Francis by trying to follow that advice every day.
May the Holy Father Pope Francis rest in the peace of Christ, his brother and Lord.
