Atlantic School of Theology joins with people all around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Pope Francis brought a distinctive voice to global Christianity one marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and care for the most marginalized in our world. His pontificate consistently encouraged a Church that is open, listening, and rooted in mercy.

President Heather McCance noted, “People around the world have noted Pope Francis’ humility, his care for the marginalized, his concern for the integrity of God’s creation. If more Christians followed Jesus in the ways Francis did, the world would be a much better place.”

Pope Francis’s deep concern for creation, his call for a Church of the poor and for the poor resonated with many across Christian traditions and beyond. His encyclicals, especially Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, shaped theological reflection and pastoral action around the globe, challenging us to embrace a deeper sense of solidarity and ecological responsibility.

Catholic faculty member David Deane said “Pope Francis was an era defining figure. He shaped the church with his identity, but he radically transformed the cultural perception of the Church. His imprint will be seen for generations to come”.

At the Atlantic School of Theology, as an ecumenical school of theology and Christian ministry, we are especially grateful for the impact Pope Francis has had not only within the Roman Catholic Church, but also in fostering dialogue and understanding across denominational lines. His witness will continue to inspire theological inquiry, spiritual formation, and ministry for years to come.

We offer our prayers for the Church he has led, for all those who join us in mourning his loss, and for the hope that his vision of a more compassionate world might continue to flourish.

“May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs receive you at your coming and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem.”