Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Pope Francis was born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Dec. 17, 1936. He became Pope – the leader of the Catholic Church – on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XIV. Pope Francis was the first Latin American Pope in history, and the first Pope born outside of Europe since the 8th century. He died Monday, April 21, in Vatican City, the day after Easter.

Following the news of the passing Pope Francis, the Archdiocese of Mobile issued the following statement from Archbishop Rodi:

‘With sadness and a profound sense of loss, we learned today of the death of Pope Francis. He was a remarkable leader who devoted his life to service of God and neighbor. He was constant in urging the nations of the world to strive for peace. He was a man of humility and compassion who was tireless in his concern for the weak, the poor, and the forgotten. Even after 38 days in the hospital, and being advised by his doctors to rest and avoid crowds, Pope Francis spent Holy Thursday visiting inmates at Rome’s prison. He truly had a pastoral heart and encouraged the Church to go out to those who felt neglected and to bring the love of God to them.

Yesterday, on Easter Sunday, we celebrated the Lord’s triumph over death. We believe the Lord is risen. It is fitting that the Lord has called Pope Francis to Himself on this first day of the Easter season. With faith in the Lord’s promise of eternal life, we entrust our Holy Father to the love and mercy of God. May the Lord welcome Pope Francis home with those words found in the Bible: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may eternal light shine on him. May he rest in

peace.’