Editor’s Note: This article will be updated as the Methodist Ecumenical Office receives additional information.
ROME (MEOR) – Methodist leaders around the world, including the President of the World Methodist Council, expressed sadness on the death of Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome, and offered messages of solidarity with the Catholic Church during this difficult and sorrowful time. Pope Francis died on the morning of 21 April 2025 at the age of 88.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected Bishop of Rome in 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis was the first person elected pope from the Americas.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on 14 February for severe respiratory infection and double pneumonia and was hospitalized for five weeks. He was recovering from his illness at his home Casa Santa Marta inside the Vatican at the time of his death.
The pope’s medical team confirmed that Pope Francis had a stroke on the morning of 20 April, followed by heart failure leading to death.
Pope Francis was Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church for 12 years.
Methodist churches and leaders paid tribute to Pope Francis and reflected on his life and ministry.
Bishop Dr. Debra Wallace-Padgett and Rev. Dr. Reynaldo Ferreira Leão Neto
President and General Secretary of the World Methodist Council
“It is with great sadness that the President and the General Secretary of the World Methodist Council received the news of the death of Pope Francis this Easter Monday morning. It was as recent as December 2024 that a small company of us were received by the Pope in a private audience at the Apostolic Palace in Rome. Pope Francis welcomed us as siblings in Christ. He invited all to have an open mind and heart to one another.” The statement later said, “we speak on behalf of the World Methodist Council in expressing our great sadness at the loss of Pope Francis. From the seat of St. Peter he exercised primacy, calling us to unity in love and diversity.” Read the full statement.
Rev. Matthew A. Laferty
Director of the Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome
“Pope Francis was a courageous leader and loving pastor. Rooted in a life of prayer and devotion, he led the Catholic Church with unwavering commitment to loving neighbor and serving the poor and displaced. Pope Francis constantly reminded both the Christian faithful – Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox – and the world to seek Christ in all that we do. His work to renew and reimagine discernment and synodal decision-making in the Catholic Church initiated emerging ecumenical pathways for dialogue and Christian unity. Pope Francis always led with a pastor’s heart and placed encounter and relationships at the center of his ministry.” Read the full statement.
Deacon Alessandra Trotta and Rev. Luca Anziani
Moderator of the Governing Board of the Waldensian Church and President of the Methodist Churches in Italy
“On behalf of the Waldensian and Methodist Churches, we express our closeness in pain and hope to our Catholic sisters and brothers. We remember with gratitude the courageous words and coherent gestures of Christian witness, including the historic visit to the Waldensian temple in Turin in 2015, the deep and lasting relationships of brotherhood nurtured over the years by multiple ecumenical meetings and the common feeling on many central themes for evangelical witness today, starting with welcoming the least and the commitment to peace, justice and the protection of creation. In the light of the Easter of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, we remember our brother Francis with gratitude to God, in the certainty of eternal life promised to all His believers.” Read the full statement in Italian.
“A nome delle Chiese valdesi e metodiste esprimiamo la nostra vicinanza nel dolore e nella speranza alle sorelle e ai fratelli cattolici − hanno affermato Trotta e Anziani −. Ricordiamo con gratitudine le parole coraggiose e i gesti coerenti di testimonianza cristiana, tra i quali la storica visita al tempio valdese di Torino nel 2015, i profondi e duraturi rapporti di fraternità alimentati negli anni da molteplici incontri ecumenici e il comune sentire su molti temi centrali per la testimonianza evangelica oggi, a partire dall’accoglienza degli ultimi e l’impegno per la pace, la giustizia e la salvaguardia del creato. Alla luce della Pasqua di resurrezione del Signore Gesù Cristo, ricordiamo il fratello Francesco con riconoscenza a Dio, nella certezza della vita eterna promessa a tutti i suoi credenti”.
Rev. Prof. Edgardo A. Colón-Emeric
Methodist Co-Chair of the Methodist-Roman Catholic International Commission and Chair of the WMC Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Committee
“When I learned the news of what had transpired in Rome on Easter Monday, the psalmist gave words to my feelings. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones” (Ps 116:11). Indeed, Jorge Bergoglio, as the Argentine Pope was first called, was one of God’s faithful ones. His humility, humor, and humanity made transparent the joy of the gospel in ways that warmed the hearts of people all around the globe, including the people called Methodist.
“Pope Francis emboldened us to see Pentecost visions. He inspired us to dream kingdom-sized dreams of believers who listen for the voice of Christ in the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth, of a church journeying towards unity by moving to and from the margins, of a people embodying the face of God’s mercy to a wounded world.
“The last time I saw Francis in person was on November 1, 2023 in Casa Santa Marta. I was there having dinner along with members of the Methodist Roman Catholic International Commission when the Pope walked in. Earlier that day, during his Wednesday address, Francis had spoken energetically and eloquently about the gift and journey of sanctity. Now, he looked tired. He could have retired to his chamber and asked for room service. Instead, he came down to the dining room and settled for a quiet dinner with a few companions at a table close to ours. There was no photo-op, no official greetings, but it was a meaningful ecumenical encounter. It was a “convivir,” a sharing of the gift of life.
“One of the fruits of Methodist and Roman Catholic dialogues has been the sharing of gifts. For the past 12 years, Catholics have shared the gift of Francis with Methodists and the world. Methodists for their part have shared the gift of Wesleyan hymnody. One of these hymns expresses well our Easter hope for and with Pope Francis, our friend above, a servant of our king, a saint to glory gone.
Come, let us join our friends above
who have obtained the prize,
and on the eagle wings of love
to joys celestial rise.
Let saints on earth unite to sing
with those to glory gone,
for all the servants of our King
in earth and heaven are one.
Bishop Américo Jara Reyes
Bishop of the Methodist Church in Argentina
“The Argentine and Latin American Pope, as he defined himself, has left us. Pope Francis, with his keen gaze and gestures that contributed invaluablely to the solution of the great problems facing humanity.” The statement later continued, “our solidarity and prayers go out to the entire Catholic community, which mourns the passing of Francis, the humble pope with a heartfelt hospitality for the people. We are certain that he has gone into the loving arms of the God of the good life, whom Jesus showed us, and that his own Spirit continues to bear witness to us.” Read the entire message in Spanish.
“Nos deja el Papa argentino y latinoamericano como él mismo se definiera. El Papa Francisco de mirada aguda y gestos que contribuyeron invalorablemente a la solución de los grandes problemas que atraviesa la humanidad….Nuestra solidaridad y oración por toda la hermandad Católica que se lamenta dolorida por la partida de Francisco, el papa sencillo y de corazón hospitalario hacia el pueblo. Estamos seguros de que ha marchado hacia los brazos amorosos del Dios de la vida buena, que nos mostrara Jesús y que su mismo Espíritu nos sigue dando testimonio.“
Methodist Church in Great Britain
“Even to the final days of his long life, by his actions and his words, Pope Francis continued to set forth the gospel of God’s love in Christ. He spoke plainly of the hope that is to be found in Jesus Christ, showed profound compassion for those who are poor and marginalised, and gave particular emphasis to God’s demand for global justice. Through his papacy, Francis has fostered an openness to Christians sharing together in the Church’s life and mission, in ways which have broken new ground for the Catholic Church. In all these ways, for many Methodists Pope Francis’s witness to the Christian faith holds a special resonance, and his loss is deeply felt.” Read the full statement.
Rev. Ruth Gee
Former President of the Conference of the Methodist Church in Britain and current Co-Chair of the British Methodist-Roman Catholic Dialogue Commission
There are many reasons to thank God for the ministry of Pope Francis, not because he has been perfect, but because he has seen himself as a servant of God and a servant of those with whom he has sought to share God’s love. Read the full statement.
Bishop Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo
Bishop of the Methodist Church in Puerto Rico
“With great sorrow in my heart for his departure from the earthly plane, I stand in solidarity with our Catholic brothers and sisters. Pope Francis was a servant leader with a strong and forceful call for the unity of believers. He embraced diversity, had genuine love for the vulnerable, and his great desire to revitalize the Church was evident. Francis was a man of God, a messenger of hope, a merciful and steadfast servant of God. Today he has arrived at the longed-for home. Today he dwells in the Father’s house. The Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and yours truly, Bishop Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo, join in the grief of our brothers and sisters of the Roman Catholic Church and pray for the comfort of their hearts. Rest in the peace of your Lord, beloved brother Pope Francis.”
“Con mucho pesar en mi corazón por su salida del plan terrenal me solidarizo con nuestros hermanos y hermanas católicos. El Papa Francisco fue un líder siervo con un fuerte y contundente llamado a la Unidad de los creyentes, abrazaba la diversidad, el amor genuino por los vulnerables y su gran deseo de revitalizar la iglesia quedó evidenciado. Francisco un hombre de Dios, mensajero de Esperanza, misericordioso y firme siervo de Dios. Hoy ha llegado al Hogar anhelado. Hoy mora en la Casa del Padre. La Iglesia Metodista de Puerto y está servidora Obispa Lizzette Gabriel Montalvo nos unimos al dolor de nuestros hermanos y hermanas de la Iglesia Católica Romana y oramos por el consuelo de sus corazones. Descansa en la Paz de tu Señor, amado hermano Papa Francisco.”
Rev. Prof. Jong Chun Park
Immediate Past President of the World Methodist Council (2016-2024) and Methodist Fraternal Delegate to the Catholic Church’s Synod on Synodality
“I want to express my deep condolences on the death of Pope Francis, buon pastore of the universal Church. Following Jesus Christ until the last moment of his life, he has proved the victory of truth and love over hate and evil. I am most grateful for his invitation of the fraternal delegates for the Synod for Synodality from 2023 to 2024. I have learned from his servant leadership that synodality as social holiness means walking with the people of God “not from the greatest to the least but from the least to the greatest” (Jer.31:34) in conformity to Christ.“
Rev. Dr. John Alderdice and Mrs. Elaine M. Barnett
President and Lay Leader of the Methodist Church in Ireland
“As a Church we are grateful for Pope Francis’s faith and for his leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. We give thanks and appreciation for his ecumenical spirit and openness to other leaders in the global Christian Church.
“We commend his advocacy for social justice, his desire to prioritise care for the poor and the most vulnerable in society as well as his call for all people to embrace their role as ‘stewards of creation’.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers of the Irish Methodist people to our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic community and to all those who mourn. May the late Pope’s legacy of faith continue to inspire generations to come.” Read the statement.
Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
“The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church extends sincere condolences to the College of Cardinals and the entire Roman Catholic Church on the death of Pope Francis.”
Rev. Charissa Suli
President of the Uniting Church in Australia
“On behalf of the Uniting Church in Australia, I extend my deepest condolences to our Catholic sisters and brothers, and all who grieve this profound loss. We join with people of faith around the world in giving thanks for his extraordinary witness, moral courage and lifelong commitment to the Gospel.
“Pope Francis was a beacon of humility and compassion. From the moment he chose the name Francis, inspired by the saint known for his love of the poor and care for creation, he embodied the Gospel message in word and deed. A Jesuit priest who took seriously his vow of poverty, his papacy was marked not by the trappings of power but by the simplicity and grace of servant leadership.“
The statement continued, “Pope Francis spoke truth with both courage and kindness. He was not afraid to challenge the world’s indifference or to call the church itself to greater integrity and compassion. In his life and ministry, we glimpsed the heart of Christ.” Read the full statement.
Methodist Church in Portugal
On this day, April 21, 2025, when the death of Pope Francis is reported, the Methodist Church [in Portugal] expresses its solidarity with the Roman Catholic Church and expresses its gratitude for the Pope’s Christian witness, which includes the contribution to the promotion of Christian unity and respect and openness to dialogue with other religions.
May the Lord comfort with the peace of the resurrected Christ all those who feel and live this time of Pope Francis’ departure to be with God.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
Neste dia 21 de abril de 2025 em que é notícia a morte do Papa Francisco, a Igreja Metodista expressa a sua solidariedade para com a Igreja Católica Romana e ora agradecendo o testemunho cristão dado que inclui a contribuição para a valorização da unidade dos cristãos e o respeito e abertura ao diálogo com as outras religiões.
O Senhor conforte com a paz do ressuscitado a todas e todos que sentem e vivem este tempo de partida para junto de Deus do Papa Francisco.
“Aquele que habita no esconderijo do altissimo, à sombra do omnipotente descansará.” Salmo 91:1
Read the post on Facebook.
Wesleyan Methodist Church of Aotearoa-New Zealand
“Please be in prayer for the Roman Catholic church as together they mourn the passing of Pope Francis. We give thanks to God for a life lived in His service and for those on the edges of society. Pray especially for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the conclave gathers in coming days to seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit on who will be called to serve as Pope in the next season.” Read the Facebook post.
Bishop Philip Lim
Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore
“Pope Francis has devoted his life to the service and life of the Church, and has served with dignity, courage, fidelity and love. He has shown us a glimmer of the compassion that our Lord Jesus Himself had for the last, the least and the lost. We mourn together with [the Catholic Church], our brothers and sisters, the loss of a great yet humble man. As we go through the process of grief and pain, we continue to trust our Triune God that His will continues to be done on earth as in heaven.” Read the letter.
Synod of the Church of North India
“With profound sorrow, the Church of North India mourns the passing of Pope Francis, who departed this life on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, he became the first Latin American and Jesuit pope in 2013. His papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the marginalized. Just hours before his passing, Pope Francis delivered an Easter message of hope from St. Peter’s Square, reminding us: ‘Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life.’ May his legacy of love and service continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace, Holy Father. We will see you on the other shore.” Read the post on Facebook.
United Church of Canada
“Today, we join with the church worldwide to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, the leader since 2013 of the world’s nearly 1.4 billion Catholics.” Read the entire Facebook post.
Dr. Ashley Boggan
General Secretary of the World Methodist Historical Society
“Pope Francis will be remembered as the pope who embodied Jesus’s preferential option for the poor. From washing the feet of the imprisoned, to foregoing the opulence of the papal estate, he constantly put others before himself. He reminded all of us that this world is not ours, but is God’s, and we are called to be good stewards of it. His progressive stances helped move the Catholic Church towards a wider embrace of all persons. Che il suo ricordo sia di benedizione.”
Bishop Ken Carter
Methodist Co-Chair of Dialogue between The United Methodist Church and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
“‘I am among you as one who serves,’ Jesus taught us in Luke 22. Pope Francis learned the way of Jesus through a long process of formation as a priest, and a sustained identification with his people in Argentina and then with Catholics, Christians and people across the world. One of his memorable addresses to priests was entitled “The Odor of the Sheep”. A shepherd, a pastor is close enough to the people to know them and to take on their odor. This was Pope Francis. He lived his message.
“Today we acknowledge the death of a servant leader, we claim our resurrection faith, and we are in solidarity with our Catholic friends. We pray that he will rest in peace and rise in glory. I have the blessing of chairing the United Methodist-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Dialogue with Bishop Jeffrey Montorton of Detroit. I offer my condolences to him and to all Catholics.” Read his full statement.
Rev. Dr. Jean Hawxhurst
Member of WMC Steering Committee and Member of the MEOR Forum
“Pope Francis was an inspirational witness of what it means to be a follower Jesus the Christ. Always with a little glimmer in his eye and kindness in his heart, he spoke truth clearly and unapologetically. He modeled for the world what generosity of spirit looks like, and even the times when I held different theological opinions from him, I wanted to listen to try to understand, because I trusted his heart. John Wesley taught us Methodists that we can recognize the fruits of brother and sister Christians by the love they have for others, particularly those on the margins of society. Pope Francis was one of the best fruit-bearers our generation was blessed to be led by. He would have made an excellent Methodist. I will miss his presence among us.”
Bishop Tracy S. Malone, Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, and Bishop Hope Morgan Ward
President and Ecumenical Officers of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
As United Methodists, we join with you in mourning the death of Pope Francis. We share in the assurance that Pope Francis has entered into eternal rest, having heard the words of our Lord Jesus, “Well done, my good and faithful servant, well done.” (Matthew 25: 21)
We remember Pope Francis for his remarkable witness to the love and mercy of Christ. His deep spirituality, and commitment to peace, justice, and compassion has left a lasting legacy of holiness living. The theme of mercy was central to his life and ministry, particularly in his concern for those who have been excluded, marginalized, exploited, and oppressed.
The statement later concluded, “May the life of Pope Francis inspire and guide us as we live our faith and bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May we continue to work together, as siblings in Christ, to promote peace, justice, and compassion in our world.” Read the full statement.
Africa Methodist Council
Africa Methodist Council, a fellowship of Methodists in Africa, joins the world and the Catholic Community in mourning the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. The mission of the Africa Methodist Council is towards the transformation of the sociopolitical and economic landscape of Africa. This has been the passion of Pope Francis to humanise the dehumanised, to advocate for the rights and dignity of refugees, migrants, and those displaced through various circumstances. May the soul of His Holiness Pope Francis rest in eternal peace.
Rev. Dr. Semisi Taragavou
President of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
The President offered a video message in Fijian language. See the video on Facebook.
Bishop Werner Philipp
Bishop of The United Methodist Church in Germany
The Bishop of the United Methodist Church (UMC) responsible for Germany expresses his condolences to the “Roman Catholic sisters and brothers in faith” on the occasion of Pope Francis’s death. With his death, not only the Roman Catholic Church loses its spiritual leader. “We all lose an outstanding witness to the Gospel and a profoundly human bridge-builder in worldwide Christianity,” the bishop writes in his letter.
“Through his closeness to people, his love for the poor, his spiritual depth, and his persistent voice for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation,” Pope Francis set standards. The Pope has also made groundbreaking contributions ecumenically. “In his encounters with other churches, he opened doors – not only through his words, but through signs of trust, closeness, and shared prayer.” He taught “that true community grows in listening to Christ and that the diversity of our traditions is not a threat, but an enrichment.”
Pope Francis’s prophetic clarity and his repeated call to repentance in the face of threats to God’s creation “remain both our legacy and our mission,” Philipp wrote to Bishop Bätzing [president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Germany]. Read the full statement.
Der für Deutschland zuständige Bischof der Evangelisch-methodistischen Kirche (EmK) spricht den »römisch-katholischen Schwestern und Brüdern im Glauben« anlässlich des Todes von Papst Franziskus seine Anteilnahme aus. Mit dessen Tod verliere nicht nur die Römisch-katholische Kirche ihr geistliches Oberhaupt. »Wir alle verlieren einen herausragenden Zeugen des Evangeliums und einen zutiefst menschlichen Brückenbauer in der weltweiten Christenheit«, schreibt der Bischof in seinem Brief.
»Durch seine Nähe zu den Menschen, seine Liebe zu den Armen, seine geistliche Tiefe und seine beharrliche Stimme für Gerechtigkeit, Frieden und die Bewahrung der Schöpfung«, habe Papst Franziskus Maßstäbe gesetzt. Auch ökumenisch habe der Papst Wegweisendes bewirkt. »In der Begegnung mit anderen Kirchen hat er Türen geöffnet – nicht nur durch seine Worte, sondern durch Zeichen des Vertrauens, der Nähe und des gemeinsamen Gebets.« Er habe gelehrt, »dass echte Gemeinschaft im Hören auf Christus wächst und dass die Vielfalt unserer Traditionen keine Bedrohung, sondern eine Bereicherung ist«.
Die prophetische Klarheit sowie der von Papst Franziskus immer wieder zu hörende Ruf zur Umkehr angesichts der Bedrohung von Gottes Schöpfung »bleiben uns Vermächtnis und Auftrag zugleich«, schreibt Philipp an Bischof Bätzing.
Bishop David Bard
Bishop of The United Methodist Church in Michigan and Illinois Great Rivers
It is with profound sadness that we received the news of the death of Pope Francis earlier this morning. We grieve with countless persons around the world. The loss of Pope Francis, while particularly acute for the Roman Catholic Church, affects us all. His strong moral voice consistently reminded us to work for peace, to remember those often forgotten, and to be people of mercy. While deeply rooted in Christian faith, Pope Francis invited all people of good will to build a more compassionate, just and sustainable world. I invite us to be in prayer for our Roman Catholic siblings. I invite us to honor the life of this Pope by seeking to live more fully into his vision of a kinder world. Read the message on Facebook.
World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women
The World Federation of Methodist & Uniting Church Women are saddened by the death of Pope Francis and extend our deepest sympathy to all our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers around the world. We thank God for this man of integrity who displayed unwavering service to the Gospel of Christ. His courage to challenge injustice, his compassion for the poor and vulnerable, his commitment to care for creation, and his promotion of Christian unity will live long in our memories and lives. May his life of Christian service bear lasting fruit. Read their Facebook post.
Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
“We, the members of the Board of Bishops of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, wish to express with great sadness the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 years. Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from March 13, 2013, to April 21, 2025.
“From the seat of St. Peter, he exercised primacy with humility, true love for humanity, and consistently advocated for peace, love, unity, and justice. He demonstrated strong compassion for the poor and consistently advocated for their well-being across the world. Pope Francis would be remembered for many unique actions upon his election as Pope. He was the first Pope to come from Latin America; the first Pope from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order); the first Pope to choose to live in the Vatican Guest House, outside the Apostolic Palace, being the official papal residence; the first Pope, since Pope Lando (913 – 914), to choose to be named Francis, a name not used by a predecessor.” Read the full statement.
Rev. Dr. Trevor Hoggard
on behalf of the Methodist members of the Methodist-Catholic Dialogue, New Zealand
The Methodist members of the Methodist-Catholic Dialogue [in Aotearoa New Zealand] express their condolences to their Catholic friends in the dialogue team and to the members of the Catholic Church across Aotearoa/New Zealand. Pope Francis was held in high regard and affection by many in the Methodist Church for his humble, gentle exercise of his high office which he sought to make more approachable to the faithful at large. We note his passion for the poor and the environment and the courage he showed in allowing compassion to go as far as he thought Church doctrine allowed in so many matters of social teaching. In laying the foundations for the Synodal Pathway, Francis continued his mission to bring the faithful into the heart of the Church’s power structures and his ‘Year of Mercy’ in 2016 when doors were flung open to welcome the faithful the penitent and the seeker was symbolic of his whole ministry as well as of his papacy. Taking the name of Francis of Assisi was a true expression of his life’s work.
Prof. Te Aroha Rountree
Perēhitini o Te Hahi Weteriana o Aotearoa
President of The Methodist Church of New Zealand
Moe mai rā e te Pāpā Francis, e okioki atu rā ki tua o te ārai. E tangi ana mātou i Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, mō te matenga o tō koutou rangatira tapu, a Pope Francis. E mihi ana mātou mō tōna oranga kaha ki te whakahaere i ngā mahi o te Rongopai, me te whakakotahi i te ao whakapono i runga i te aroha, te atawhai, me te rangimārie.
It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt respect that Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa – the Methodist Church of New Zealand joins the global community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. Pope Francis was a shepherd of remarkable compassion, humility, and courage. His life and ministry have left an indelible mark on the world. He reminded us all of the centrality of love, mercy, and justice in the Christian journey, and he embodied the Gospel call to care for the poor, the marginalised, and the Earth itself.
Ko ia he rama i te pō, he rongoā mō te hunga rawakore, he rangatira i whai tika, i whai pono. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis reached across denominational lines, building bridges where there were once barriers. His ecumenical spirit and commitment to dialogue brought Christians closer together in our shared calling to be instruments of peace and reconciliation. His voice for social justice, climate action, and indigenous rights resonated with the kaupapa of Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa, affirming our shared calling to serve with respect and integrity.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we give thanks for the ways in which his leadership inspired us to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God. His example encourages us to continue working toward a more compassionate and inclusive world. As you mourn the loss of your beloved leader, we pray for God’s comfort to surround the Roman Catholic community, and for strength and guidance as you discern the path ahead. May the legacy of Pope Francis continue to shine as a beacon of faith, hope, and love in our world.
E te Pāpā, kua wehe koe i te ao nei, engari kāore koe e warewaretia. Ko tōu manaaki, ko tōu aroha, ko tōu kaha ki te tautoko i ngā hunga rawakore me ngā hunga pātea o te ao, ka mau tonu hei tauira mō ngā whakatupuranga kei te haere mai. Haere atu rā, e te Pāpa, haere atu rā. Haere, e te rangatira, moe mai i te korowai aroha o te Atua.
Photo © Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk. Used with Creative Common License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. All rights reserved.
Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome 