A Message from the Rector on the Death of Pope Francis

Mater Ecclesiae College joins St Mary’s University and the Catholic Church worldwide in sorrow at the death of Pope Francis, but also in great thanksgiving to God for the witness of this exemplary Christian and pastor, faithful disciple of the one Pastor, Jesus Christ. Because it all relates to him, the Good Shepherd, true theology is pastoral, as Pope Francis never ceased to insist, echoing Pope John XXIII, who called the Second Vatican Council, wanting its teaching to be pastoral and wanting the Church to use ‘the medicine of mercy rather than that of severity’.  

Pope Francis was deeply influenced by his Jesuit confrere, Henri de Lubac, a leading pioneer of the Council. De Lubac once said that the Catholic Church ‘is neither Latin nor Greek, but universal’ and that it seeks ‘to gather in everything for its salvation and sanctification’. That was clearly Pope Francis’ instinct in reaching out to everyone with love and respect, and in urging care for creation. He touched the hearts of countless people, Christians and those of other faiths and none, with his goodness and grace.  

Many times, particularly when speaking to priests, he recalled de Lubac’s warning that the greatest temptation faced by the Church is ‘spiritual worldliness’, which ‘consists in seeking not the Lord’s glory but human glory and personal well-being’ (Evangelii gaudium, 93). In order to avoid that danger, de Lubac said that the Church must be a mother like Mary, ceaselessly striving ‘to deliver us to the life of the Spirit’. Like Mary, she must be ‘the Sacrament of Jesus Christ’. Pope Francis was devoted to Mary.  

Mater Ecclesiae College was established at St Mary’s during Pope Francis’ pontificate. May his teaching and example always inspire us. May he rest in peace and rise in glory!  

Mary, Mater Ecclesiae, pray for him and pray for us!