By Matthew Falletich
The Catholic community, along with the University of the Incarnate Word, is in mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88 from cardiac arrest following a stroke.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, serving as the head of the Catholic Church since 2013 following the resignation of Benedict XVI from the papacy. He was widely revered for his humility, deep concern for the poor, and progressive stances on social justice, ecology, and inclusivity. His death has left the UIW community remembering the impact he has left on not only the church, but the Catholic community around the world and in the confines of the UIW campuses.
Flags across campus were lowered to half-staff, and students gathered in prayer circles that Monday evening to share memories and express gratitude for the pope’s leadership.
In a special message sent to students, faculty, and staff via email, UIW President Dr. Thomas Evans, reflected on the pope’s final homily given on Easter Sunday, April 20, and his enduring legacy on the church, saying that “Pope Francis reminded us of the hope of Easter and inspired us to take action in seeking out Jesus in the world.” Evans continued by stating that “…we can find joy in the risen Christ and feel emboldened in our search for Him, even as we mourn the passing of His servant, our dear Pope Francis.”
Evans praised Pope Francis’ key teachings from his encyclicals Fratelli Tutti, focused on human fraternity, Laudato si’, urging care for the environment, and Dilexit Nos, emphasizing Christ’s love as the foundation for service and solidarity.
“Through the Mission of the University of the Incarnate Word, we strive to embody the values Pope Francis championed,” Evans stated. “In serving one another, in recognizing the dignity of all people, and in our sustainability efforts, we carry out the ‘small acts of love’ through which the love of Christ is made tangible in the world.”
Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI Congregation Leader, sent a message to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, giving an honorable dedication to his profound influence that many have felt during his papacy.
“His papacy illuminated the heart of the Gospel: to walk humbly, serve the poor, and welcome the stranger,” Tarango stated in her statement.
She emphasized the pope’s unwavering advocacy for migrants and refugees and his vision of a synodal Church rooted in dialogue, community, and love, saying that “As we pray for the repose of his soul, we recommit ourselves to the mission he championed, to be instruments of God’s healing, justice, and hope in a wounded world.”
In his closing remarks, Evans invoked the Ignatian Prayer for Generosity, a prayer Pope Francis, a Jesuit, often cited throughout his ministry:
“Lord, teach me to be generous,
to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost…
save that of knowing that I do your holy will.”
Evans encouraged the UIW community to live out the pope’s values by continuing their mission of education, service, and compassion.
Pope Francis’ papacy marked a shift toward a more compassionate and socially conscious Church. Known for his simple, Jesuit lifestyle and preference for dialogue over judgment, he often used his platform to call for peace, solidarity, and care for the marginalized. This direction and approach was both praised and criticized from those in the church.
His death, however, leaves the Catholic Church with an important decision to make in the selection of a new pope, whether to continue the policies of Francis’ liberal interpretations, or to go back to more traditional interpretations of the church’s teachings.
The Vatican announced that the conclave to elect the next pope will begin on May 7. With it beginning just days before UIW seniors are set to graduate that Saturday, May 10, the University will be keeping a close eye on the results of the conclave, with the slight chance that the new pope may be selected on graduation day.
