Holy Father's impact will prove to be a 'lasting influence' on the Church and world, archbishop says; urges Catholics to pray
DETROIT — Following the announcement from the Vatican on the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger offered his thoughts on the Holy Father's ministry, as well as prayers for the repose of the pope's soul.
"It is with immense sadness that I share with the faithful of the Archdiocese of Detroit that our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died. My heart is heavy as our world has lost a powerful, prophetic, and loving voice," Archbishop Weisenburger said. "However, I also rejoice in what I pray will be a blessed reward of joy beyond all understanding for a truly great and loving Universal Shepherd."
Archbishop Weisenburger will further reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis at a press conference at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit at 5:30 p.m. on April 21, followed by a special Mass of Suffrage for the repose of the Holy Father's soul.
In his statement, Archbishop Weisenburger reflected on the impact of the Holy Father's pontificate on the universal Church.
"Our Holy Father once said, 'Some people want to know why I wished to be called Francis. For me, Francis of Assisi is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation.' While it is impossible to measure Pope Francis’ impact on our Church and world, I believe the three aspects he referenced will be a lasting influence," Archbishop Weisenburger wrote.
"First, Pope Francis was a man of poverty, most especially in the sense of detachment from the created things of this world and simplicity of life. In this way he was a profound witness to how one can overcome the temptation to possessions, power, and control — the empty and life-defeating values of secularism.
"Second, the extent to which the Holy Father was a man of peace is found in his constant call for the end of all violence and war. As an icon of Christ Himself, the Holy Father’s deepest wounds were revealed in the world’s violence, death, and destruction, all of which he cried out against. His clarion call for peace was truly an echo of Christ’s own.
"And finally, as a man who loved and protected creation, he revealed how authentic disciples view the created world and the gifts it holds for us. Reaching deeply into Scripture, Pope Francis reminded us that we are stewards and caretakers of creation, not owners who can recklessly destroy what has been lovingly placed in our hands. Indeed, this is an area where his prophetic words and example have spoken to the hearts of the world’s youth."
Archbishop Weisenburger offered "one final quote from our Holy Father upon which the faithful might wish to reflect is simply:
'A little mercy makes the world less cold and more just.'
"I kindly ask all the faithful either to pray one rosary for the gentle repose of the soul of our Holy Father or to participate in a memorial Mass for Pope Francis," the archbishop wrote. "Let our prayers for him be a part of his great journey into the heart of all Love. I also kindly ask the faithful to prayerfully remember the Cardinals of the Church, asking God that a new Successor of St. Peter will quickly be elected.
Eternal rest grant unto him 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."
