Jerusalem, April 21, 2025 — His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, describing the late pontiff as a “luminous testament to the Gospel” and a global beacon of mercy, peace, and humility. In a heartfelt statement released today, the Patriarch joined Christians worldwide in mourning the loss of the Bishop of Rome, who died on April 21, 2025, and was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to the poor and his pursuit of reconciliation.
Quoting John 11:25, Theophilos anchored his message in the hope of Christ’s resurrection, noting that Pope Francis’ life exemplified the Lord’s call to peacemaking and sacrificial love. “Even in frailty and suffering, the late Holy Father revealed the strength of true discipleship, embracing the Cross with humility and hope,” the Patriarch said, highlighting the Pope’s simplicity, evident in his wish for a modest funeral centered on faith.
Theophilos praised Pope Francis as a “steadfast champion for the poor” and a teacher of Christian humility, whose legacy will inspire the Church for generations. Entrusting the pontiff’s soul to God’s compassion, he concluded with a prayer from Matthew 25:23: “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master.”
The Patriarch’s statement underscores the deep respect across Christian traditions for Pope Francis, whose memory, Theophilos declared, “shall be eternal.”