Pope Francis (1936–2025): Remembered by Msgr. Torgerson

We’ve lost our Holy Father, and I’ve lost a partner.

Though many of us woke to the news already shared around the world, our hearts are heavy as we remember Pope Francis—born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Dec. 17, 1936—who died this morning, April 21, 2025, after more than 12 years as our beloved shepherd.

Pope Francis loved being a parish priest more than anything else—and in so many ways, that’s how he led the world. He reminded us that the Church must go out to the peripheries, not just to serve but to be transformed. From the poor and the marginalized to the imprisoned and the sick, he brought the nearness of God to the places the world most often forgets.

He surprised us from the very beginning—returning from the conclave on the bus with the cardinals, asking the world to pray for him before he gave his blessing, stopping to pay his hotel bill. But the greatest surprise of all may have been how much he loved. Quietly and courageously, he led us through a pandemic. He cried out for peace again and again. He reached across religious and political boundaries. He helped us rediscover the Gospel’s call to care for creation and to listen—really listen—to one another. He reminded us of who we are and who we are called to be.

His last public visit was to a prison. His last public words were Easter morning. Even to the end, he was tending to the wounds of a hurting world like a field hospital, just as he once described the Church should be.

When I had the privilege being at an audience, I said, “St. Monica loves you, Holy Father.” He smiled.

He gave me the courage to tell you how much I love you. And so I do.

Let us pray for the eternal rest of his soul—and let us carry his spirit forward with tenderness, justice, and joy.

Your pastor,
Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson

As we join Catholics around the world in mourning, we also enter into a sacred tradition: the nine days following the death of a pope are observed as official days of mourning throughout the Church. Each community may mark these days in its own way—through Masses, prayer, acts of charity, and reflection on his legacy. In the coming days, our parish will share more about how we will honor and remember Pope Francis. Return to stmonica.net/francis for updates and ways to participate.