Most Reverend Bishop Joseph R. Kopcaz released a statement on the passing of Pope Francis.
With Easter faith and hope we commend Pope Francis to the loving arms of God. Before passing from this life to the next he gave his final blessing on Easter Sunday to the city and the world. What an amazing moment of grace that will be a cherished memory. There is sadness over his death, but as the funeral liturgy expresses, “those saddened by the certainty of dying may be consoled by the promise of immortality to come. Indeed, for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not ended.”
I have a special bond with Pope Francis since he appointed me as the Bishop of Jackson during his first year of his Papacy. I am happy that God gave him the time to oversee the world-wide process on Synodality, and to prepare the Church for the Jubilee Year of Hope. His charisms and gifts, his faith, hope and love will impact the Church and the world well into the future.
In the days ahead our prayers will reach to the heavens for this Servant of God, the successor of Saint Peter, with the fervent hope that his life and death will continue to inspire the faithful and open the doors of faith and hope in our crucified and risen Lord for many more in our world.
May he rest in peace.
