"We mourn the loss of Pope Francis. We are grateful for his humble leadership," said Sister Sue Ernster. "We pray for him as his words and actions continue to teach us how to live with mercy and hope."
FSPA gathered to pray for and remember our Pope. We extended an invitation to all to spend time in adoration with us. In remembering Pope Francis, Sister Sarah Hennessey offered that "...the story of Pope Francis’ final days when he visited a prison illustrates why he is often called 'The People’s Pope.' The prisoners were just ecstatic to see him. And then when he left, a reporter asked him, ‘How do you feel?’ And he said, ‘Every time I go here, I think why them and not me?’”
Our prayer now is that his words and actions guide us into the Church we're called to be.
"A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just." - Pope Francis
Remembering Pope Francis
Congregants listen and pray as Archdiocese of Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich presides over a memorial mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis at Holy Name Cathedral, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. (Image by Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)
More than 1,000 faithful gather at Holy Name Cathedral to honor Pope Francis
"'He's been a voice for the voiceless,'" shared Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Katie Mitchell about Pope Francis in this news item by NPR affiliate WBEZ Chicago. "[Sister Katie] said he was prophetic to many because of the way he cared for people ... admired that he wasn't afraid to speak up about refugees, migrants and those facing war."
US sisters, ministries hail Pope Francis' legacy
In this Global Sisters Report article, women religious speak to the loss felt both internationally and personally with the death of Pope Francis. Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Sue Ernster is pictured with him and members of the LCWR leadership team during a March 21, 2024, meeting at the Vatican.
La Crosse's Franciscan sisters offer prayers and remembrances of the pope named Francis
Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Sarah Hennessey shares that the congregation is "hopeful that the next pope 'can continue to speak to the needs of the world,' and lift up hope, joy, and love."
'The compassion he had': Catholics with Fayettevlle ties react to death of Pope Francis
Fayetteville native Sarah Hennessey's order of nuns and the pope are both named for St. Francis of Assisi, known for his outreach to the poor. 'That meant a lot to us,' she said.
Pope Francis, Pastor-Pontiff Revitalized Global Catholic Church
"He not only allowed a discussion, but actually promoted a discussion — insisted on a discussion," said the historian. "This was not done by his predecessors … or, certainly, not in the same way and to the same degree." - National Catholic Reporter
LCWR Mourns the Death of Pope Francis
"We have been inspired by the manner in which the pope exercised leadership. He embodied the values that he held throughout his priesthood: that people who are hurting and in need must be given our highest priority, that leaders must spend time on the margins listening to those whose perspectives may differ from their own, and that we must be fearless in speaking out in the face of all that goes against gospel teachings." - LCWR
Looking back at Pope Francis' remarkable pontificate
"In a noisy and busy world, in a time of cultural and political polarization, Pope Francis invited us all to listen to the quiet promptings of the Holy Spirit." - National Catholic Reporter