Dear Brothers and Sisters,
With a heavy heart, the Secular Franciscan Order of Australia joins in solidarity with Catholics throughout the world to mourn the death of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis.
As a faithful Order within the heart of the Church, we give thanks for the life, witness, and pontificate of Pope Francis. His deep commitment to Gospel simplicity, humility, care for the poor, and spreading the love of Christ to the peripheries resonated profoundly with the Franciscan spirit. In word and in deed, he called the world to encounter Christ in humility, mercy, and joy.
We entrust his soul to the mercy of God and pray that he may now rest in the eternal peace of the Lord. May his example continue to inspire us to live the Gospel fully, following in the footsteps of Christ after the manner of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Let us also unite in prayer for the College of Cardinals as they prepare to elect a new Successor of Peter, that the Holy Spirit may guide them in wisdom and peace.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Fraternally,
Maria Iadanza ofs
National Minister of Australia
