The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mourns Pope Francis’s Passing

Pope Francis: A Legacy of Compassion

On April 21, 2025, the world was met with the somber news of Pope Francis’s passing. In response, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a heartfelt statement, joining millions in mourning the loss of this beloved leader. Pope Francis’s influence transcended religious boundaries; his compassionate and courageous leadership impacted the lives of countless individuals across the globe.

In their statement, the First Presidency expressed, "We unite globally in grief over the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His courageous and compassionate leadership has blessed innumerable lives. We extend our deepest condolences to all who sought inspiration and guidance from him. As the world pauses to remember his legacy of forgiveness and service, we hold a profound gratitude for the kindness exhibited in a life well-lived and rejoice in the hope of a glorious resurrection made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ."

The relationship between the LDS Church and the Catholic Church has seen moments of unity and mutual respect, especially highlighted during President Russell M. Nelson’s historic meeting with Pope Francis in March 2019 at the Vatican. This unprecedented meeting was marked by warmth and a genuine exchange of thoughts on faith and service. President Nelson shared his touching memories, describing Pope Francis as a "kind, warm, and welcoming man," emphasizing what a joy it was for the Catholic community to have such a caring and capable leader.

The connection established during this meeting exemplified a shared commitment to serve humanity and bring hope to those in need. Pope Francis was known for his humility and dedication to social justice, often advocating for the marginalized and calling attention to pressing global issues such as poverty, climate change, and human rights. His messages encouraged individuals to reach out and serve others, embodying the principles of love and service.

As we reflect on Pope Francis’s impactful journey, it is essential to acknowledge how his inclusive vision resonated with many, including members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their shared belief in Jesus Christ and the call to serve aligns beautifully, fostering an environment of collaboration towards common goals focused on the welfare of humanity.

The expression of condolences from the LDS Church is a significant reminder of the need for unity in the face of loss. In times like this, we are called to look beyond our differences and recognize the shared values of kindness, humility, and service that transcend all faith barriers.

In closing, as the First Presidency aptly mentioned, while we mourn the loss of Pope Francis, we also celebrate a life that served as an inspiration to many. His legacy reminds us of the potential for goodness that exists in everyone and encourages us to carry forward his messages of love, forgiveness, and unity.

In the days ahead, let us honor his memory by embodying the principles he stood for. May we strive to be more compassionate, understanding, and dedicated to serving one another, regardless of our different faiths. The world has lost a remarkable leader, but his vision for a better world continues to live on in our hearts.

By sharing this reflection and remembrance, we acknowledge and pay tribute to Pope Francis's exemplary life of service, celebrating the profound impact he made in fostering love and compassion globally.