April 21, 2025
Statement on the Passing of the Holy Father Pope Francis
Pope Francis was the 266th pope from March 13, 2013 – April 21, 2025.
Arlington, VA – The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) joins the Catholic Church in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. The Holy Father passed away on April 21, 2025 at the age of 88.
“For the last 12 years, Pope Francis faithfully shepherded the Church with his signature joy and humility—two virtues that every Catholic school educator is called to emulate in their vocation,” said Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman, NCEA President/CEO. “His unwavering focus on the Lord’s mercy and our responsibility to care for the most vulnerable among us are hallmarks of this inspiring servant leader. As we pray for his eternal rest, we also pray in this Jubilee of Hope that Catholic school educators will embrace Pope Francis’ call to be Pilgrims of Hope, bringing Christ’s joy and peace to the world.”
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Italian immigrants on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, one of five children. Before his election as pope on March 13, 2013, at the age of 76, he served as both archbishop and cardinal for more than 12 years. He chose the papal name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his devotion to the poor and marginalized. He was the first pope from the Americas, the Western Hemisphere and the first from South America as well as the first from the Jesuit order.
During his 2015 apostolic visit to the United States, Pope Francis visited Our Lady Queen of Angels School in East Harlem, where he reminded students of the gift of Catholic education, saying, “How nice it is to feel that school is a second home. This is not only important for you, but also for your families. School then ends up being one big family. One where, together with our mothers and fathers, our grandparents, our teachers and friends, we learn to help one another, to share our good qualities, to give the best of ourselves, to work as a team and to pursue our dreams.”
Addressing a crowd of tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square, in Vatican City in Rome, on the evening of his selection by the conclave, Pope Francis concluded his remarks saying, “Pray for me and until we meet again.”
May we honor his memory by continuing to be a people of mercy, service and hope. Let us pray: Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.
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In service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, NCEA strengthens Catholic school communities by convening all stakeholders and providing professional development, data, public policy and resources to support faith and intellectual formation.