Our hearts are united with the whole Church in mourning the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. A shepherd of compassion, a voice of mercy, and a witness of humble service, Pope Francis has now returned to the Father whom he served so faithfully.

For me, this moment brings back a flood of memories that are etched deep within my heart. I was on my first month as a missionary in Rome when Pope Francis was elected. I still remember the joy that erupted across St. Peter’s Square when his name was announced—Habemus Papam—and the moment he stepped out onto the balcony, asking us to pray for him before he blessed us. Our community at the General House then…were watching on TV, triumphantly praising God for this humble and simple man clothed in white.

From his very first Mass at Chiesa Santa Anna, his first Angelus, to the many Liturgical celebrations that followed, I was there. I witnessed, in awe and gratitude, the unfolding of a papacy marked by tenderness, simplicity, and courage. As a missionary and a religious, those years in Rome were made even more meaningful because I could walk alongside the beginnings of his journey.

But the moment I will never forget was during the General Audience on May 17, 2017, when I had the grace of holding Pope Francis’ hand. It was brief, but profoundly moving—up close and personal. As I looked into his eyes and felt the warmth of his touch, I was overcome with emotion. In that sacred moment, I was able to whisper a few words about my mother, entrusting her to his prayer. It felt as though I was placing her in the gentle hands of a spiritual father who carried the heart of Christ. That encounter remains in my heart—a blessing I will forever treasure.

That day, our beloved Pope spoke with great affection about Mary Magdalene, the first to witness the Risen Christ. He reminded us how she was entrusted with the mission to bring the Good News to her brothers—how this woman became the Apostle of the new and greatest hope.

May her intercession help us live this same experience: that in moments of sorrow and abandonment, we too may hear the voice of the Risen Jesus calling us by name. And with hearts renewed by joy, may we go forth to proclaim with our lives: “I have seen the Lord!” (Pope Francis)

Today, I give thanks to You, O LORD.
Thank you, for our beloved Holy Father Pope Francis, for teaching me that leadership is service.
Thank you for choosing mercy over judgment, encounter over distance.
Thank you for walking the streets of the world with a pilgrim’s heart.
Thank you for seeing us, loving us, blessing us.

I join the whole Church in praying:
Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and Let Perpetual Light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

And with a heart full of gratitude, I whisper once more: Grazie, Santo Padre.
Riposa nella pace di Dio.