“The Notre Dame community mourns Pope Francis’s passing alongside the Church and the rest of the world.
The Notre Dame Community Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis
The University of Notre Dame community joins with the Church and the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that spanned over a decade, during which he redefined the role of the Catholic Church in the modern world. From his humble beginnings in Buenos Aires to becoming the first Latin American pope, Francis’s journey was one of profound humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Pope Francis’s papacy was characterized by a deep concern for the marginalized and a call for a more inclusive Church. He challenged the faithful to embrace the poor, the displaced, and the suffering, urging a Church that goes beyond its walls to serve the world. His encyclicals, such as Laudato Si’, emphasized environmental stewardship, while Fratelli Tutti promoted global fraternity and social friendship. These writings, coupled with his actions, reflected a vision of a Church deeply engaged with the world and its challenges.
The University of Notre Dame, a Catholic institution committed to the integration of faith and reason, found a kindred spirit in Pope Francis. His emphasis on dialogue, humility, and service resonated with the University’s mission to educate the whole person. In 2024, during the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Pope Francis sent a message highlighting the cathedral’s restoration as a “prophetic symbol” of the Church’s renewal. He called on the faithful to see themselves as “living stones” of the Church, a sentiment that echoed the University’s own commitment to fostering a vibrant faith community.
In the wake of Pope Francis’s passing, the University of Notre Dame has expressed its condolences and solidarity with the global Church. University President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., stated, “Pope Francis exemplified the values of compassion, humility, and service that are at the heart of our mission. His leadership inspired us all to live out our faith more fully.” The University has announced plans to hold a memorial Mass in honor of the late pontiff, inviting the campus community to come together in prayer and reflection.
The death of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of tributes from around the world. French President Emmanuel Macron described him as a leader who “was at the sides of the most vulnerable, the most fragile, with a lot of humility.” Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni lauded his personal comfort and advice, saying it “never failed me, not even in times of trial and suffering.” Even Argentine President Javier Milei, who had previously criticized the pope, expressed sorrow, acknowledging the honor of having known him in his “kindness and wisdom”
As the Catholic Church enters a period of transition, the legacy of Pope Francis will continue to influence its direction. The University of Notre Dame remains committed to the values he championed, striving to educate leaders who will carry forward his vision of a compassionate and just world. In this time of mourning, the Notre Dame community finds solace in the words of Pope Francis himself: “Let us walk together, work together, pray together”
Pope Francis’s passing is a profound loss to the Church and the world. His legacy of love, humility, and service will continue to inspire generations to come. As the Notre Dame community reflects on his life and teachings, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to live out the values he espoused, carrying forward his vision of a more compassionate and just world.
