Cardinal Giovanni Battista RE
Dean of the College of Cardinals
Vatican City
Your Eminence:
On behalf of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada, I write to convey our deepest condolences on the passing of one beloved by all the world, Pope Francis. The Disciples of Christ have been in dialogue with the Catholic Church for over 45 years—since 1978. Our journey together has gone beyond theological conversations to include shared commitments to justice and peace at the global, national and local levels.
In 2023, the Holy Father greeted members of the delegation in dialogue during an audience at the Vatican. The time spent was another testament to the power of Christian unity. Pope Francis’ deep commitment to Christian unity has encouraged and strengthened our ongoing dialogue. His openness and pastoral spirit have been a gift to our ecumenical journey. His care for the earth and its climate was matched by his care for the poor, the marginalized, and indeed, for all humanity. His concern for all was palpable and his pastoral heart made his witness relevant to so many around the world. Reports of his intentional outreach to a Catholic pastor in Gaza, making a call every night, demonstrate his ability to connect with those who faced the stresses of war, poverty and social ostracization, offering them love, care, and hope.
On this Holy Monday, we affirm together the power of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because Jesus has been raised, we do not mourn as those who do not have hope.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13) May God’s love and peace be a comfort to all those who knew, loved and were blessed by the ministry of Pope Francis. May his memory and legacy be a blessing even for generations.
With the peace of Christ,
Reverend Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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Lynn Turner
My prayers to our glorious Pope of unity. May he forever rest in God’s loving arms. He will always remain in our hearts.
Ginny Braddock
Thank you for representing the Disciples so lovingly and for expressing our condolences on the passing of the pope. I appreciate the way the pope expressed his understanding of God’s love and invited people who had felt impediments between themselves and the church back. He did express God’s love in person and seemed to be like trying to help hurting people to a relationship with a a loving God.
Marcela Tablada
Te vamos a extrañar papa Francisco. Dejas un enorme vacío en nuestros corazones. Siempre admiré tu capacidad de hacernos sentir a todos como verdaderos amigos cercanos, tu empatía por los que no tienen voz y por los marginados, tu incansable ánimo para recordarnos cada día que todos somos hijos de Dios.
Gracias Santo Padre por todo.
RODNEY ALLEN REEVES
Thank you, Teresa, for your beautiful caring communication with the Vatican for the expansive inclusive ministry for all people by Pope Francis. I’ve several dear friend participants in the Christian Church/Disciples who with me have shared we have lost the amazing living grace/kindness of Pope Francis in time & space as we experienced it on Mother earth. People of all faith traditions have been blessed by his life.
Maria Isabel Ferrer-Molinari
El mundo despide a un hombre que, con gestos más que con discursos, marcó una época. Que su memoria inspire y que su descanso sea tan profundo como la paz que intentó sembrar.
Eterno Descanso Papa Francisco Amén.
🕊🤍🕊
C Renee Richardson
It is with a deeply sad and heavy heart that I join the legion of mourners saying Goodbye to our Dear and Beloved Pope Francis. This man was a true and Genuine Man of God. It would take a Literal Miracle for the World to be Blessed with anyone who comes remotely close to our Dear and Beloved Pope Francis.
Rest Well Precious Godly Servant. You truly deserve your Well Earned Rest as you Selflessly Gave 100%.🙏🙏🙏
David and Mary Schnopp
Pope Francis was an angel and did many wonderful things in this crazy world.