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With the news of the death of Pope Francis, I sent the following message to Bishop Larry Silva of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu:
Be assured of the prayers of the faithful in the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, and for our siblings in the Roman Catholic Church.
ALMIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOD, to whom there is never any prayer made without hope of mercy, be merciful to the soul of your faithful servant, Francis, being departed from this world in the confession of your Holy Name that he and all the departed may be welcomed into the company of your saints, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Pope Francis consistently emphasized that mercy is the key virtue of a Christian’s life. He encouraged care for the poor, respect for labor, welcome of the stranger (especially migrants and refugees), and active care for the environment.
I ask that all our congregations remember Pope Francis and our mourning siblings in the Roman Catholic Church during the Prayers of the People this coming Sunday.
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