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Bishop Robert Barron, a prominent Catholic commentator and author, has paid heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis after his passing on Monday. Barron described the late pope’s papacy as one characterized by mercy and evangelization, two central themes that defined his leadership during an influential tenure.
Leading the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, Bishop Barron also founded the esteemed Catholic ministry, Word on Fire. He expressed admiration for Pope Francis’s keen understanding of the destructiveness of sin and how it shaped his approach to faith and ministry.
In a statement given to media outlets, Bishop Barron reflected on the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis on March 13, 2013. Referring to the pope’s earthly journey, Barron remarked, “Our Holy Father has reached the end of his earthly pilgrimage. Pope Francis was a great pastor who spoke from the heart and with tender affection for all.”
Bishop Barron shared personal memories of his meetings with the pope. He recalled that during their conversations, Pope Francis would impart messages that lingered long after their discussions concluded. “In a meeting with my fellow bishops, he reminded us that the first task of a bishop is to pray,” he noted.
Pope Francis and His Vision for the Church
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis underscored the Church’s role as a healing institution. He often described the Church as a field hospital, a place of refuge and healing for those wounded by the challenges of modern society. Bishop Barron picked up on this theme, emphasizing the importance of compassion and outreach in the Church’s mission.
In addressing his broader mission, Pope Francis famously remarked that the Church must first focus on healing the wounds inflicted by a postmodern, relativistic world. Bishop Barron echoed this sentiment, stating, “Pope Francis had a profound awareness of the destructiveness of sin, and he urged the Church to present to the world a merciful face of Christ.”
The bishop also highlighted the importance of living a personal witness to faith. He noted that Pope Francis consistently encouraged believers to share the joy of the Gospel, drawing others into a deeper connection with their faith.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Barron invited all Christians to join him in prayer for the repose of Pope Francis’s soul. He called upon the faithful to remember the pope’s legacy of love, mercy, and evangelization.
The Announcement of Pope Francis’s Passing
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the news of Pope Francis’s passing, stating, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”
This announcement follows a challenging period for Pope Francis, who battled chronic lung disease. Earlier this year, he spent 38 days in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, where he received treatment for respiratory issues that progressed into double pneumonia.
Pope Francis’s life journey began in Argentina, where he was born on December 17, 1936. He created history in 2013 when he was elected as the first pope from the Americas and the first non-European leader of the Catholic Church in over 1,200 years. During his more than a decade of leadership, he left an indelible mark on global Catholicism, characterized by his commitment to social justice and inclusivity.
The world mourns his loss, reflecting on a life devoted to uplifting the marginalized and fostering unity within the Church and beyond. As tributes pour in from leaders and faithful alike, many will remember Pope Francis not only for his role as a spiritual leader but also for his compassionate approach to the challenges facing humanity today. His legacy of emphasizing mercy and evangelization will undoubtedly influence future generations.
Contributors to this report include members of the Fox News team.
