“He leaves us an example of the preference that Jesus had for the poor”

After the sad news of Pope Francis’ passing, Bishop Mulvey celebrated the first Mass for Pope Francis at noon at Corpus Christi Cathedral. An image of the Pope was placed at the entrance, and another one was near the altar, surrounded by Easter decorations that remind us that Pope Francis had completed his earthly journey to enter eternal life.
 
Bishop Michael Mulvey reminded the faithful that the Pope was chosen by his brother cardinals “to be the Pastor of the World.” He continued, “We are saddened by his death, but we know about the bright promise of immortality that God made to us in Jesus’ resurrection.” Pope Francis continued to give himself, even when dying, reminding each one of us that “suffering has a purpose in all of our lives.”
 
By visiting remote places like Mongolia, which has a small Christian community, or Ur in Iraq, “he showed us what it means to give our heart to others, to bring them the good news. He reached out to the least to tell them, ‘God loves you.’”
 
Pope Francis was ecumenical. He longed for the unity of the Church, “and it was surely in God’s plan that he was able to celebrate this Easter where East and West celebrate at the same time.”
 
While praying for the Pope, as he has always asked during the Angelus Prayer on Sundays, many have already begun to think about his successor: “I asked one thing – let us await the Pope that the Holy Spirit will choose for the Church and the world, don’t speculate if the new pope will be conservative or liberal.” And as Pope Francis enters God’s kingdom, may he hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”