Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Today, news of Pope Francis's passing has reached the religious community. Bishop has issued a letter addressing the faithful about the life and contributions of Pope Francis. The Bishop refers to the Pope as "our Holy Father" who led the community to focus on their faith and the heart of God.

"He led us to the core of our faith," the Bishop said, emphasizing the Pope's challenge to the faithful to "seek things from above, not from this earth." Pope Francis encouraged believers to recognize the dignity and sacredness of each person, urging them to love one another as Jesus loves them. The Bishop recalled the Pope's call for the faithful to "be instruments of the Peace of the Lord," focusing on forgiveness and healing.

The Bishop calls for prayers for Pope Francis's soul and for guidance to "extend His tender mercy to one another." There is encouragement for the faithful to continue as "pilgrims of hope in the Lord all our days," aspiring to be "tireless cultivators of the seed of the Gospel."

As for what comes next, the Bishop suggests that Pope Francis would encourage the community to "go forth and be Christ to one another," rather than mourning him extensively.

Concluding the letter, the Bishop prays, "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."