As members of a Jesuit school community, we feel a special kinship with Pope Francis. His identity as a Jesuit priest—a man formed by The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola—resonates deeply with our mission and values. His leadership was marked by a profoundly Ignatian commitment to discernment, openness, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis called the Church to a synodal path, one rooted in listening, dialogue, and inclusion—for the purpose of fostering a lived faith, grounded in action and marked by dignity and compassion. He challenged us to walk with the poor and marginalized, to care for creation, to uplift the voices of young people, and to love boldly—especially those who are different from ourselves. He modeled what it means to be a man for others, inspiring countless women and men around the world to live more justly, simply, and with dignity and gratitude.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we honor his legacy by committing ourselves to the values he lived so fully. May we strive to carry forward his spirit—living with tenderness, working for justice, spreading hope, and always doing good for the greater glory of God.

From the day of his election, Pope Francis asked the faithful to pray for him. As he now takes his place in eternal communion with God, we continue those prayers with confidence in his intercession.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Saints of God, come to his aid.
Hasten to meet him, angels of the Lord.
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he now rest in peace. Amen.