Catholics around the globe, including those in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, are mourning the recent death of Pope Francis. The Catholic Church in Cincinnati has paid tribute to the late pontiff.

The Archbishop of Cincinnati, Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, expressed in a statement, “As we commend a good and faithful servant to God, let us remember that Pope Francis proclaimed 2025 as a Jubilee Year of Hope — awakening us to Christ, who is alive and present in our midst." He added, "Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart, and hope in the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14). The archbishop hopes that Pope Francis will be rewarded for his service and love for God's people and creation. He also anticipated that the Holy Spirit would comfort and inspire unity and faithfulness in the Church.

Archbishop Emeritus Dennis M. Schnurr also shared his thoughts, stating, “Please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of our beloved Pope Francis, who was Vicar of Christ, the successor of St. Peter and a faithful shepherd of Christ’s Church." He highlighted Pope Francis's compassion for the vulnerable and his commitment to environmental stewardship and world peace. "After a life dedicated to proclaiming the Good News of our Lord’s saving love for us, may Pope Francis now inherit the reward of eternal rest with God.”

Pope Francis, originally Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, was elected in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first pontiff from the Southern Hemisphere and the Americas, and the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years. Pope Francis served as the 265th successor of St. Peter.

He was born on December 17, 1936, and passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

Further information about Pope Francis can be found through various sources.