We at Loyola Press are saddened to hear of the passing of Pope Francis. His Christian example has been an inspiration to countless people.
We pay tribute to our joyful shepherd in faith by remembering his life’s work of helping people find mercy, hope, and joy in God. In the words of Pope Francis:
Dear friends, if we walk in hope, allowing ourselves to be surprised by the new wine Jesus offers us, we have joy in our hearts, and we cannot fail to be witnesses of this joy. Christians are joyful; they are never gloomy. God is at our side. We have a Mother who always intercedes for the life of her children. Jesus has shown us that the face of God is that of a loving Father. Sin and death have been defeated. Christians cannot be pessimists! They do not look like someone in constant mourning. If we are truly in love with Christ and if we sense how much he loves us, our heart will “light up” with a joy that spreads to everyone around us.
—Excerpted from Embracing the Way of Jesus
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.