Mourning the Loss of Pope Francis

On this Easter Monday (April 21, 2025), we mourn the loss of Pope Francis.

The Dominican Sisters of San Rafael offer the following statement on the passing of Pope Francis:

We join Catholics worldwide in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, a grace-filled leader of the Church whose life was a testament to mercy, compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to social justice. Through his bold witness, he called us to unity, peace, and the protection of the most vulnerable, including Mother Earth, urging both personal and societal transformation rooted in love and faith.

His encyclical Laudato Si’ challenged us all to recognize our shared responsibility to care for our common home. On the eve of Earth Day, we are especially reminded of his call to confront the climate crisis not just as an environmental concern, but as a profound moral and social justice issue.

His words continue to guide and inspire our efforts toward sustainability, equity, and solidarity with the most vulnerable. As we remember his immense contributions to the Church, we recommit ourselves to the work of building a more just and compassionate world, answering his call with both courage and conviction.

As preachers of truth, love, and justice, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael are grateful for the Pope’s example and his persistence in proclaiming the word of God, sometimes in the face of opposition. He often remarked that we must “Find new ways to spread the word of God to every corner of the world.” May we honor his legacy by continuing that mission with renewed hope, and may his light guide us in building a more just, compassionate, and sustainable world.

In Peace,
Sr. Abby Newton, OP; Prioress
On behalf of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael