Mass of Thanksgiving for the Life of Pope Francis
The Archdiocese of Louisville held a special Mass of Thanksgiving for the Life of Pope Francis on Tuesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption in downtown Louisville located at 433 S. Fifth Street. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre served as the principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass.
All were invited to attend this special Mass and pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. You can watch the livestream here.
Mass Worship Aid
Statement from Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre on the Death of Pope Francis
Together with my brother bishops, priests, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Louisville and Catholics around the world, I mourn the death of Pope Francis. As the shepherd of the Catholic Church for 12 years, the Holy Father led from the heart and showed compassion and care for others. He made history as the first Pope from the Americas and from Argentina. He was also the first member of the Society of Jesus to be elected pope.
I am grateful to Pope Francis for appointing me Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux in 2013 and then Archbishop of Louisville in 2022. I had the privilege and honor of meeting him on two occasions: in 2019 and in 2023. With both encounters, I remember him being welcoming and jovial.
Upon being elected Pope, on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis led the Catholic Church in his own unique way guided by the Holy Spirit. From the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis remained a humble man which was evident by the way he lived his life. He loved being among the people, greeting the faithful, and providing blessings to everyone he encountered.
Pope Francis was known for speaking Truth, even if it meant receiving criticism. He advocated for what is morally correct, for those who are marginalized, and for those who have no voice. Pope Francis constantly reminded the faithful to love and welcome everyone we meet because they are the face of Christ.
As the Vicar of Christ, the Holy Father provided the Church with the resources to build up the Kingdom of God. He will be remembered for many things, among them his encyclicals, especially Fratelli tutti and Laudato si, and for the Synod on Synodality. Additionally, he will be remembered for the catechesis he provided on Wednesdays during his general audience.
Pope Francis was a visible sign of our union and unity as Church. I will be forever grateful to him for missioning me to serve the people of the Archdiocese of Louisville. I invite you to join me in praying for the repose of his soul.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Statement from Archbishop Emeritus Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville
The Catholic Church and the entire world today mourn the death of Pope Francis. For 88 years, he has served Christ and his people unselfishly and in the last 12 years has served as the Holy Father. Filled with sadness at his death and gratitude for his life, the church prays that he will join the Saints in heaven. I had the privilege to welcome him for his visit to the United States in 2015 when I served as president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. His abiding concern for the human dignity of all people exemplified in his most recent visit to prisoners in Rome will long be remembered. May he rest in the peace of Christ.
(CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters)
