Statement of Rev. Msgr. W. Ronald Jameson, Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle, on the Death of Pope Francis

“It is with deep sadness that we learn of the death of Pope Francis. Whenever a pope dies, we Catholics feel a kind of collective shudder; we feel we have lost a father, a leader. This is certainly true in the case of Pope Francis. This extraordinary man has left an indelible mark not only on the Church and her millions of members, but on the entire world. His vision, his energy, his profound love for the Church, his commitment to peace, and to the plight of the poor and marginalized, make him one of history’s most beloved and memorable pontiffs.”

“At the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle, we were privileged to host His Holiness when he met with all of the U.S. bishops here on September 23, 2015, during his papal visit to the United States. Anyone who witnessed the huge, enthusiastic crowds that followed him during his visit here will never forget the pope’s warmth, and the flood of feeling from the people. I was privileged to welcome him and accompany him here at the Cathedral. We will all remember that day.”

“Catholics throughout the world truly loved Pope Francis, and I know that all today join together to pray for the happy repose of his soul.”