Archbishop Vásquez, Cardinal DiNardo laud late pope's life and legacy
April 21, 2025
Pope Francis waves to crowds of attendees at World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland in 2016. The Argentine pontiff died on April 21. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)
Pope Francis, the first pontiff from the Americas, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at age 88.
Kevin Cardinal Farrell, chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, announced that Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Maria, a day after delivering his Easter message.
Born on Dec. 17, 1936, the late pope struggled as he recovered from double pneumonia and a complex infection, resulting in a 38-day hospital visit.
United with Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell'Oro, the priests, deacons, men and women religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez said he was "deeply saddened" at the death of Pope Francis this morning in an April 21 statement. Pope Francis named him Archbishop of Galveston-Houston on Jan. 20.
"Pope Francis' life and ministry centered on walking alongside the poor and marginalized, sharing the life-affirming message of the Gospel not only with them but also through them to the entire Church," said Archbishop Vásquez. "His deep commitment to supporting all individuals in their happiness and struggles will leave a profound and enduring influence on the Church as it embarks on its continued pilgrimage of faith, hope and charity."
"As pilgrims of hope, we take solace during this Easter season in the Resurrection of Our Lord," he said. "Let us offer our prayers for His Holiness, Pope Francis, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. May the Lord embrace him in His merciful arms."
As a member of the Sacred College of Cardinals, Cardinal DiNardo served as a Cardinal-Elector in the 2013 Papal Conclave that saw the election of Pope Francis on March 13, 2013.
“The life and ministry of Pope Francis was marked by walking with the poor, and those on the margins of society, to bring the life-giving message of the Gospel to them, and through them, to the whole Church," said Cardinal DiNardo in a statement.
"His intense focus on accompanying all men and women of goodwill in their joys and sorrows will continue to have a lasting impact on the Church as she continues her own pilgrim journey of faith," he said. "As the Church comes together to mourn and pray for the soul of His Holiness, let us commend him to the loving embrace of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, to whom he had such loving devotion."
Cardinal DiNardo prayed, "May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace." He also asked for prayers for himself as he prepares to head to Rome.
Above and at right, Archbishop Vásquez, then bishop of the Diocese of Austin, and Cardinal DiNardo greet Pope Francis during an ad limina visit to the Vatican in 2020.. (CNS photos)