Letter of Condolence on the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis
With deep respect and gratitude, the International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has sent an official letter of condolence to the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Dr Matteo Bruni, on the occasion of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. The message, signed by the President General International, expresses the profound sorrow of the Vincentian community at the loss of the Holy Father, as well as their recognition of his legacy of closeness, service, and commitment to the most vulnerable. Below is the translation into English.
On behalf of the International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
Paris, 23 April 2025
With great emotion and deep gratitude, the International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul joins the universal Church in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April 2025, at the age of 88. Pope Francis was not only the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, but also a true witness of the Gospel, lived with a concrete dedication to charity. His pontificate was marked by constant attention to the most vulnerable, the forgotten, and the marginalised. Through his voice and his example, he restored dignity to those living on the margins, making closeness to the poor the core of his service.
For our Society, inspired by the charism of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam and deeply rooted in daily service alongside those who suffer, Pope Francis was a guide and an example. Even when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he maintained a close bond with the Vincentians: he visited with us, listened to the stories of families in difficulty, and took part with discretion and heart in our mission. From the Pope, we drew support, seeing in him “an extraordinary strength for good in the service of the poor”, and receiving more than once his encouragement to persevere in our commitment and in the cause of canonisation of our founder.
The Holy Father interpreted the Gospel with radicalism and tenderness. He reminded us that love for the poor, which is charity, is not only about assistance, but also relationship, listening, and encounter. He gave us words that are also ours: “to serve and not be served”, “to go to the peripheries”, “to look at the world through the eyes of the poor”. In his farewell, we are left with a profound and urgent appeal to continue on this path: that of a simpler, poorer, and more hopeful Church. An outgoing Church that continues to walk beside the poor, in silent service, with the same spiritual strength and zeal that he brought to his ministry. Thank you, Pope Francis. Thank you for your example, your guidance, your embrace. Your memory lives on in our hearts and in our daily actions.
Juan Manuel Buergo Gomez
17th President General International