Pope Francis, ‘A Light of Jesus Christ’

In mourning the death of Pope Francis, Catholic Charities of Long Island echoes our shepherd, Bishop John O. Barres of Rockville Centre, in recalling “the gift of his contemplative global evangelization grounded in Matthew 25 and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.”

“We give thanks to Father, Son and Holy Spirit for his unique graces and charisms and the compelling way during his Pontificate that he has been a Light of Jesus Christ and the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church to the world.”

The entire pontificate of Pope Francis, from March 13, 2013, to April 21, 2025, offered a shining example for Catholic Charities and other agents of charity of how to share the Good News, especially in encounters and services to the needy and neglected of Long Island, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.