Our Sunday Visitor Remembers Pope Francis: A Legacy of Compassion and Advocacy

Remembering Pope Francis: A Legacy of Love and Compassion

On April 21, 2025, the world lost a remarkable leader as Pope Francis, the 266th pope and a symbol of hope for the marginalized, passed away at 7:35 AM Rome time. Our Sunday Visitor (OSV), the leading Catholic publisher in the United States, extends its deepest condolences as we join the global community in mourning the death of a shepherd who dedicated his life to promoting compassion and mercy.

Pope Francis embarked on his journey of leadership in March 2013, when he became the Bishop of Rome. Throughout his pontificate, he became a voice for the voiceless, advocating tirelessly for the poor and marginalized. Like his predecessors, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II, he emphasized the importance of engaging with communities, fostering dialogue, and embracing a spirit of missionary discipleship. His calls for compassion resonated deeply, reminding everyone to seek out those on the peripheries and bring the light of Christ into their lives.

At OSV, we have been privileged to amplify Pope Francis's messages through our publications and resources. As the North American publisher of the English-language edition of L'Osservatore Romano and through our collaborative publications with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), we have worked to disseminate his teachings, including influential documents like Laudato Si', Fratelli Tutti, Evangelii Gaudium, and Dilexit Nos. Our efforts have aimed not only to inform but also to inspire Catholics across America and beyond.

Kyle Hamilton, CEO of OSV, expressed profound sadness at the news of the pope's passing, noting, "Pope Francis embodied the mercy of God in a personal and pastoral manner. His teachings will continue to shape the Church for generations to come. We are honored to have played a small role in sharing his mission through our publishing efforts."

One of the most striking moments of Pope Francis's leadership was during the COVID-19 pandemic when he stood alone in a rain-soaked St. Peter's Square, offering a blessing to an empty piazza. In that moment, he provided a dose of solace to billions, reaffirming that regardless of the challenges faced, Christ remains with us. Scott P. Richert, OSV Publisher, recalled this iconic image as a testament to Pope Francis's pastoral care for all people, transcending religious boundaries in his message of hope.

As a community, OSV encourages the faithful to stay engaged with news regarding Pope Francis's passing and subsequent funeral, in addition to analysis of this pivotal moment in the Church's history. Those looking for thoughtful insights and updates can visit OSV News and Our Sunday Visitor.

In this time of mourning, as we reflect on the many teachings and heartfelt lessons imparted by Pope Francis, we join our prayers with the College of Cardinals as they prepare to elect the next successor of St. Peter. We will remember his legacy of compassion and camaraderie as we navigate through the challenges that lay ahead.

In conclusion, let us honor Pope Francis's life and contributions. His mission touched countless lives and inspired many to embody the spirit of love and service. We pray for his eternal rest: "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace."

About Our Sunday Visitor (OSV)

Founded in 1912 by Father John Francis Noll, OSV has consistently served the needs of the Catholic community in America, offering a wide range of publications and resources across different platforms. As a not-for-profit, OSV is dedicated to helping Catholics grow in their faith and strengthen the Church's presence in society. For more information, visit www.osv.com.