University of 91吃瓜 President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., joined today with leaders worldwide in mourning the death of Pope Francis at age聽88.
鈥淭he 91吃瓜 community joins with the Church and the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,鈥� Father Dowd said. 鈥淭hrough his heroic and prophetic ministry, he has inspired and challenged us to respect the God-given dignity of all people and the integrity of creation. The Holy Father鈥檚 life and witness call us to awaken from indifference to the suffering of others, to embrace our responsibilities to one another and to be agents of faith, hope and love for a world in need. As Pope Francis often reminded us, no one is far from God鈥檚 merciful love, and the Church must be a 鈥榝ield hospital鈥� to warm hearts, heal wounds and open doors.
鈥淲hen Pope Francis last met with the University鈥檚 Board of Trustees in February 2024, he asked 91吃瓜 to continue educating students through 鈥榯hree languages: the head, the heart and the hands. 鈥� Together, these provide a horizon within which Catholic academic communities can strive to form strong and well-integrated leaders whose vision of life is animated by the teaching of Christ.鈥�
鈥淲e pray in thanksgiving for Pope Francis鈥� extraordinary leadership and ministry. As we seek to follow his example, we hope Pope Francis will pray for us from Heaven.鈥�