Pope Francis was called to heaven on April 21, the day after celebrating the Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. We are filled with deep sadness, but even more so with profound gratitude.
The Pope chose the name of Francis of Assisi, who lived the gospel of the Lord Jesus by becoming "a friend of the poor" and "a friend of nature, calling them “Brother Sun and Sister Moon.”
As the name suggests, the Pope cares for marginalized people and areas in society, calls the Earth "our home," and sheds light on the worsening environmental degradation and the problems we face in our way of life.
He showed great interest in the Church in Japan, and in particular during his visit in November 2019, he spoke to the world from the Peace Memorial Parks in Nagasaki and Hiroshima about issues of peace, particularly the ethical crime of not only the use of nuclear weapons, but also their production and possession.
Moreover, he expressed his deep praise for the history of Christians who maintained and passed on their faith for over 250 years without a single priest, and for those who are persecuted for their faith in the modern world. On the morning of November 30th last year, the pilgrim group "Research Group on Christianity in the Period of Prohibition," of which I am the representative, was given the opportunity to have a special audience with him at the Vatican. It is a fond memory that I am still grateful for.
As a pastor, Pope Francis has chosen the motto for the Holy Year (Jubilee Year) of 2025 as "Pilgrim of Hope." Referring to the words of the Bible, "Hope does not deceive" (Romans 5:5), he taught the importance of "looking to the future with hope," especially to the many brothers and sisters living in difficult circumstances. I cannot help but think that the Pope himself lived that way until the very end.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Pope Francis and pray that he may rest in peace under the Lord Jesus, the "Good Shepherd," in the Kingdom of Heaven. I ask for your prayers as well.
The preparations for the Memorial Mass for Pope Francis are underway and will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
April 23, 2025
Fr. Toshiaki Koso SJ, Pastor Catholic Kojimachi St. Ignatius Church