On the afternoon of this Monday, the 21st, Cáritas members from across the continent joined together in a moment of online prayer, chaired by Monsignor Gustavo Rodríguez Vega, president of Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean, to raise their prayers for the eternal repose of Pope Francis. The prayer, led by the regional coordinator, Nicolás Meyer, included prayers, songs and the reading of the Gospel of the Good Samaritan.

Monsignor Gustavo reflected on the death of Pope Francis at Easter time, highlighting that he blessed everyone and departed with the Risen Lord. He recalled that, from the beginning to the end, the Pontiff knew how to approach those discarded.

The effort made on Holy Thursday is impressive. Although he was not in St. Peter's Basilica, he was present in the prison, because he could not miss the prisoners, who were the ones who needed his presence the most. Great effort until yesterday, to give us and leave us as an inheritance his blessing Urbi et Orbi. Blessed be God!

Commenting on the Gospel, Monsignor Gustavo highlighted the neighbors whom Pope Francis touched with his ministry: migrants, the displaced, the divorced and remarried, prisoners and many others. "Many were filled with hope with the great teachings of Pope Francis. Now that he has been called by our Lord, there remains a great task for today's Christians: to continue assimilating all the Pope's teachings and transmitting them to those who did not receive them. He put his finger on the sore spot and at the center of Christian life, which is to be a neighbor to those in need," said the president of Cáritas ALC.

God will provide the pontiff we need. Let us trust in the action of the Holy Spirit and trust that He will continue to lead us along the path that Pope Francis indicated.

With deep sadness, Caritas Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) mourns the death of Pope Francis, who departed to the Father's house. A tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized, His Holiness leaves a legacy of love, compassion and service that will inspire future generations.

The impact of Francis' Pontificate resonates deeply in our region, particularly with his emphasis on social justice and his care for those who suffer. His proximity and dedication to the Latin American and Caribbean peoples will continue to be a guide in difficult times.

Cáritas LAC ratifies its constant work in the defense of human dignity and in the building of equitable and supportive societies, inspired by the model of service and affection that Pope Francis bequeathed to us.

Between the arms of the Father

The announcement of the death of the Pontiff was given by the Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church from Casa Santa Marta, with these words:

Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father's house.

His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.

With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the Triune God.