At the death of Pope Francis

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

The Lord of the cross and empty tomb has gathered to himself a faithful servant in Pope Francis. The world was informed of the death of the Roman Catholic Pope on Easter Monday.

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio and served as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from 2013 to 2025. Francis became a priest in 1969 and was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001.

He was cherished as a pastoral Christian leader who purposefully advocated for the poor. Australian Prime Minister, Mr Anthony Albanese, himself a Roman Catholic Christian, spoke a moving tribute to Pope Francis on Monday evening: ‘He was truly inspirational in his modest way of life and at his weekly audiences, he demonstrated his commitment to peace, equality and inclusion … Pope Francis' love for humanity was powerful and profound. The memory and example of his compassion will long endure as we mourn his death.’

For the official visit of Lutheran World Federation (LWF) leaders in 2024, Pope Francis wrote a letter of thanksgiving in which he expressed our common foundation in Christ and in the means of grace. He wrote: ‘Let us remember that our shared spiritual roots are found in the “one baptism for the forgiveness of sins” (Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed) and thus move forward with confidence as “pilgrims of hope”. May the God of hope be with us and continue to accompany our dialogue of truth and charity with his blessing.’

As we thank God for the witness and service of this Christian leader, let us hold fast to the promise of the Easter gospel. In recent times, Pope Francis continually focused people on the words of Christian hope in St Paul’s letter to the Romans: ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope’ (Romans 15:13).

At this time, let us also pray for the work of unity among Christians in the churches throughout the world, with the words of a prayer from 1633 by William Laud (1573–1645), Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury:

‘Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church.

Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace.

Where it is corrupt, purify it;

where it is in error, direct it;

where in anything it is amiss, reform it.

Where it is right, strengthen it;

where it is in want, provide for it;

where it is divided, reunite it;

for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Saviour. Amen.’

In Christ, Paul

Pastor Paul Smith

Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand

(The letter from Pope Francis to LWF leaders can be read here.

LWF’s tribute to Pope Francis can be read here.)