Cardinal Blase J. Cupich shared a message addressing the Catholic community and others mourning the death of Pope Francis. In a video message, Cardinal Cupich reflected on the Pope's leadership, stating, “His leadership was a beacon of joy and hope urging us to live fully in Christ's presence to open our hearts to the stranger and to walk together as a synodal church.” He added, “While we mourn his passing, we also commend him to the tender mercy of Christ which was the core of his faith and ministry. May he rest in peace.”

The video can be accessed on the Catholic Chicago YouTube Channel (https://youtu.be/zdr581j2s0g).

Pope Francis passed away at 88, on Easter Monday morning, at 7:35 a.m., shortly after delivering his final Urbi et Orbi blessing from the central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. Further information about Pope Francis's life can be found in his biography on the Vatican's website (https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/biography/documents/papa-francesco-biografia-bergoglio.html).