Bishop Earl Fernandes | Diocese of Columbus website

Bishop Earl K. Fernandes of the Diocese of Columbus has expressed his condolences following the death of Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio. The pope passed away in Rome at the age of 88 after experiencing recent health issues.

The Bishop issued a statement to the People of God in his diocese. He expressed both personal sadness and shared mourning with individuals worldwide. Bishop Fernandes remarked on the significant contributions Pope Francis made during his pontificate.

Francis was the first Pope from the Americas, hailing from Argentina, born in 1936, and ascended as the Bishop of Rome in 2013. His papacy emphasized engagement with missionary work and reaching out to the spiritual and existential peripheries, as highlighted in the Apostolic Exhortation "Evangelii Gaudium" (The Joy of the Gospel).

Bishop Fernandes also recognized Pope Francis's consistent messages on caring for the common home and emphasizing human fraternity. He stressed the need to appreciate these messages of wisdom.

He recalled his time working at the Apostolic Nunciature and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Vatican. Pope Francis appointed Bishop Fernandes as the Bishop of Columbus, a post for which he expressed deep appreciation.

"Let us now commend him to the Father of Mercies that he would look upon him with the gaze of mercy," said Bishop Fernandes. He offered prayers for those mourning the pope’s death alongside global communities, expressing gratitude for Pope Francis's life and ministry.

The statement concluded by offering prayers and solidarity with those mourning the loss and celebrating the legacy of Pope Francis.