Pope Francis RIP
With deep sorrow, the Dominican friars of the English Province mourn the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
We give thanks for his faithful witness to the Gospel and his tireless service to the Church.
As the College of Cardinals prepares to gather in Conclave, among them our own brother Timothy Radcliffe OP, we unite in prayer, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon their deliberations.
May the Lord grant the Church a shepherd after His own heart, to lead His people in truth and charity.
Fr Nicholas Crowe OP, Prior Provincial
Carmel
That is the most succinct prayer for the successor to Pope Francis who led us as a man of the gospel. Please God our prayers are heard for a pope who will be a man after the Lord’s own heart as you do beautifully pray 🙏🏻
tim
I remember sharing an email exchange with Timothy Radcliffe in the context of the synod on synodality. Like all of us, Pope Francis had his faults and many questioned what the synod was about. Timothy said of the synod what the forthcoming election of a new pope could also be said: It’s a wonderful opportunity to listen to what the Holy Spirit has to say. The late pope was controversial in some ways and pastoral in others and the Lord has seen fit to take him at this time and we trust that the Lord’s timing is perfect. We pray for him to now enter into the joys of the Master and pray also for a Pope to unite and lead the church in what the Lord has for us
Veronica Adsetts
Amen. Amen
Gerry Brett
On reading this I reminded of the late, great Dominican friar, Fr Anthony Ross, who would have recoiled at being denied his Scottishness, given his unstinting efforts to grow the Dominicans in Scotland. More importantly I am reminded that Fr Anthony was in fact like a prototype Francis, much misunderstood and triggering fear and suspicion because of the comparative simplicity and inclusiveness of his ministry. Francis, like Fr Anthony, was a remarkable human being. To cross the St George’s Channel, I suspect that, as the Irish are want to say, that his likes will never be seen again. But as the great Fr Anthony often said: there are two certainties; the first is that everyhting that is good has its origins in God, and second, everything I say could be wrong. A Dominican to follow a Jesuit! ?
Jenny Hall
Heartfelt & timely comment. RIP dear Pope Francis & I too pray that the college of Cardinals hear & listen to the Holy Spirit & elect the right person to lead God’s church. Very interesting to learn that one of your own will be part of the conclave. 🙏