On the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis

I would like us to renew our hope that peace is possible!Pope Francis

The Global Citizens International Movement received with profound sorrow the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. As Vatican News reported, “The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1969, received episcopal ordination in 1992, and was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2001. On March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th Pope, taking the name Francis and becoming the first Pontiff from the Americas. During the twelve years of his pontificate, he undertook 47 apostolic journeys, visiting 66 countries.

Pope Francis enjoyed well-deserved international authority, consistently advocated for peace and human dignity, and made a significant contribution to the advancement of interreligious dialogue and the strengthening of mutual understanding among peoples. His call to renew hope that peace is possible assumes particular significance today.

The Global Citizens International Movement expresses its profound condolences to the Holy See, the clergy and faithful of the Catholic Church, as well as to all those who cherished the ideals and pastoral ministry of Pope Francis.

His cherished memory will forever remain in the hearts of millions of people throughout the world.