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A letter from Fr Joseph
Dear Brothers & Sisters,
I am sure you were all astounded when you woke up this morning to learn about the death of Pope Francis at 7:35am . We all knew he was very sick but someone this does not sink until death happens. But we know that Jesus has conquered death- and yesterday, on Easter Sunday, we magnificently celebrated the new life we have in our Risen Lord!
I was delighted to see all of you in church. A special joy fills my heart as David, Sedrick & Jordely were baptized that they too might begin their new life in our risen Lord!
Please, in your private prayers and with your families, join the universal Church in prayer for the peaceful repose of the soul of Pope Francis.
Specifically, remember him in your rosaries and your Communions at Mass.
Come if you are able, to the Mass for Pope Francis which Cardinal Tobin will celebrate tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7:30pm at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, on Ridge Street in Newark.
May the soul of Pope Francis and the souls of all of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
The following is the official statement from our Cardinal.
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A Statement from Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin
on the Death of Pope Francis
With profound sorrow and heartfelt gratitude, I join the Church in mourning the death of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, a shepherd who walked closely with God’s people and never tired of reminding us of God’s mercy. He was a man of deep faith, profound humility, and unshakable hope — a servant whose tireless call to care for the poor and the marginalized will continue to inspire the Church for generations to come.
In this Easter season, as we proclaim that Christ is risen and death is not the end, we entrust Pope Francis to the risen Lord whom he followed so faithfully. May Christ, our hope and resurrection, welcome him into the fullness of joy and peace.
Let us give thanks for his life, his witness, and his love for the People of God. And may we honor his memory by building a Church that reflects the face of Jesus — merciful, welcoming, and always near to those on the margins.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.
Archbishop of Newark
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