We bid farewell to Pope Francis with a heart full of gratitude. His life of dedication, love and devotion to God and humanity has been a beacon of hope for the Church and the whole world. Today, we trust that he has been reunited with the Lord whom he served so faithfully.
From the beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis became known for his closeness and humility, for his tireless effort to walk with the least, the most vulnerable, those who most need God’s mercy. His love for the poor, his courage to denounce injustice and his tireless work for peace and unity were traits that made him unique.
As Consecrated Women, we dedicate our life and mission to the service of the Church and the people. This also includes our commitment to the Pope, whom some of our sisters have wanted to bid farewell by recalling special moments shared with him, either in personal encounters in Rome or through the inspiration that his life and witness have given them.
“Very dear Holy Father, thank you for your closeness and for having allowed me to have an encounter of blessings between a father and a daughter. I love and admire you very much.” -Mariana Ortega.
Carmen Iturralde, who found a new depth in her love for Mary thanks to Pope Francis, expresses with affection and gratitude: “Thank you, Pope Francis, Vicar of Christ on earth, for transmitting to us with your simplicity as a Shepherd, for not being afraid to smell like sheep, for inviting us to make a positive impact on society, to seek and love Mary as Mother who intercedes for all the knots we carry in our hearts, and for daring to build bridges instead of walls with our fellow men and women”.
Pope Francis was not only a spiritual leader, but also a loving father who, by his example, taught everyone how to live the Gospel radically and with a living and committed faith. Lisa Small describes it in a profound way: “Being with Pope Francis was like being with a father. I was so moved to see him give himself for others. It is difficult to describe, but one feels in him a representative of God who gives us security and confidence”.
Caro Buitrago said: “Pope Francis, a pastor who has taught us the art of discernment, of listening to God, to our neighbor and to the signs of the times. Thank you for promoting the outward looking mission of the Church”.
Monica de Mattos had the honor of participating in one of the catecheses on hope that the Pope organized as part of the celebrations of the Jubilee Year 2025. On that day, in St. Peter’s Basilica, she had an encounter that marked her deeply. Although the pope was already visibly tired, his presence continued to pour out love, hope and absolute dedication. “Even when he was feeling unwell, he was with us, radiating joy and transmitting love and hope,” Monica recalls. “It was a truly special day, an encounter that I will treasure in my heart for the rest of my life.”
Mariana Esquer, was touched by the Pope’s affection and dedication to those most in need, especially the little ones: “Pope Francis is a shepherd who watches over the little ones. His dedication to the most vulnerable will always be a beacon that will guide the Church towards the mission of accompanying those who suffer the most.”
Pope Francis Message to the Legionaries of Christ, and Consecrated Men and Women of Regnum Christi
Pope Francis constantly invited us to conversion of heart, to be a Church going out and to live the Gospel authentically. In the Address of the Holy Father Francis to the participants in the General Chapter of the Legionaries of Christ and to the General Assemblies of the Consecrated Women and Lay Consecrated Men of Regnum Christi (February 29, 2020), he left us reflections that take on even more meaning today.
“Renewal is not simply changing structures, but changing hearts, avoiding falling into self-referentiality, learning to live in truth and mercy.” (Address, February 29, 2020)
He reminded us that true transformation does not occur only with external reforms, but with a profound renewal of identity and mission.
“Charisms in the Church are not something static, but grow, develop, purify themselves in contact with ecclesial life and with the reality of the poor and simple.” (Address, February 29, 2020)
His teaching encourages us to keep alive the charism of Regnum Christi, not as a fixed ideal, but as a constantly growing gift at the service of the Church and those most in need.
In this same message, the Pope warned us about the danger of spiritual worldliness:
“Spiritual worldliness, which is the worst thing that can happen in the Church, leads to self-sufficiency, to living in deception, to thinking that one has already changed because new structures or regulations have been adopted, but the heart is still far from God.” (Address, Feb. 29, 2020)
His legacy challenges us to live with authenticity, not content with external changes, but always seeking personal and communal conversion.
Despite the pain of his departure, his life leaves us with a clear message: to live the Gospel authentically, with hope, love and courage. His pontificate showed us how to be a Church going out, ready to accompany everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Nancy Nohrden, General Director’s reflections
Nancy Nohrden, General Director of the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi, reflects on the papacy of Francis and his legacy:
Pope Francis has shepherded the holy Catholic Church for the past 12 years, giving his life and health to serve as our Shepherd and lead us in the ways of the Spirit.
Personally, I will always be deeply grateful for his courageous openness and for encouraging us to genuinely meet each person where they are in their lives with the merciful love of Jesus Christ…this is truly the message of the Gospel. I believe he leaves the Church with a revolutionary legacy of openness to the Holy Spirit, discernment of the signs of the times and encouraging us to build ourselves up as the Body of Christ through the voice of each of its members.
Holy Father Pope Francis, we commend your soul to the tender intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary, to whom you always gave us an example of true filial devotion. In the experience of loss and sorrow, let us keep the Risen Christ present before our hearts… “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it, Alleluia!”
Thank you, Pope Francis, for your dedication and unconditional love. We know that your light will continue to guide us.
May the Lord receive you in his glory, and may you, from heaven, continue to intercede for us all.
Original Article: https://consagradasrc.org/2025/04/21/gracias-papa-francisco-un-legado-de-esperanza-amor-y-servicio/