Message from the President

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a beloved shepherd of the Church and a member of the Society of Jesus. Throughout his life and ministry, Jorge Mario Bergoglio exemplified the values of our order. From his early days as a Jesuit priest in Argentina, ministering to the marginalized and forming seminarians, to his courageous leadership of the universal Church, he lived as a model of servant leadership. 

 

In his papacy, Pope Francis left an indelible mark on the Church and the world. He championed the dignity of the poor and the oppressed, tirelessly called for the care of our common home, and invited all people to embrace a life of compassion, mercy, and justice. His teachings challenged us to look beyond ourselves and to see Christ in others, especially the most vulnerable. From the groundbreaking encyclical Laudato Si’ to his efforts to heal divisions and foster interfaith dialogue, his legacy is one of bold faith and hope for a more unified and compassionate world. 

 

For many of us in the Jesuit community, there was a profound sense of pride when one of our own ascended to the Papacy. His loss is felt just as powerfully, but we are comforted knowing that he is now ascending to be with our Heavenly Father, having fulfilled his mission on Earth with extraordinary grace and humility. 

 

On behalf of Loyola Blakefield, I extend my deepest condolences to all who were touched by Pope Francis' life and ministry. Let us join together in prayer for the soul of Pope Francis, asking God to grant him eternal rest. May his example continue to inspire us to live lives of faith, service, and justice, and may he now enjoy the eternal reward of his faithful ministry.