Statement from University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., on the passing of Pope Francis
University of Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., joined today with leaders worldwide in mourning the death of Pope Francis at age 88.
“The Notre Dame community joins with the Church and the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis,” Father Dowd said. “Through his heroic and prophetic ministry, he has inspired and challenged us to respect the God-given dignity of all people and the integrity of creation. The Holy Father’s life and witness call us to awaken from indifference to the suffering of others, to embrace our responsibilities to one another and to be agents of faith, hope and love for a world in need. As Pope Francis often reminded us, no one is far from God’s merciful love, and the Church must be a ‘field hospital’ to warm hearts, heal wounds and open doors.
“When Pope Francis last met with the University’s Board of Trustees in February 2024, he asked Notre Dame to continue educating students through ‘three languages: the head, the heart and the hands. … Together, these provide a horizon within which Catholic academic communities can strive to form strong and well-integrated leaders whose vision of life is animated by the teaching of Christ.’
“We pray in thanksgiving for Pope Francis’ extraordinary leadership and ministry. As we seek to follow his example, we hope Pope Francis will pray for us from Heaven.”
Latest ND News Wire
- Alumni Association and YoungND honor 2025 Domer DozenThe Notre Dame Alumni Association announced its 2025 Domer Dozen cohort, honoring 12 graduates ages 32 and younger for excellence in their contributions in learning, service, faith and work — the core pillars of the association’s mission.
- Notre Dame School of Architecture poised for global leadership through historic investmentThe $150 million gift represents an unprecedented commitment in the 160-year history of American architectural education. In recognition of this landmark gift, the school will be renamed the Matthew and Joyce Walsh School of Architecture at Notre Dame.
- Board of Trustees announces external investigation into allegations of past sexual misconduct by former rectorThe University of Notre Dame today announced that the University’s Board of Trustees has convened a special committee at the request of President Rev. Robert Dowd, C.S.C., and John Veihmeyer, chair of the Board of Trustees, to oversee an external investigation into allegations that Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C., engaged in sexual misconduct while rector of Zahm Hall, where he served from 1980 to 1997. The external investigation will be led by Helen Cantwell at the law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, and the key findings of the investigation will be shared with the University community.
- Notre Dame Democracy Initiative hosts bipartisan conversation with Western state governorsTwo Western state governors known to work across the aisle on policy issues such as water, housing and energy will visit the University of Notre Dame for a fireside chat about how Western state pragmatism can serve as a model for the country to overcome polarization.
- MBA student and alumnus to take part in Fighting Irish flyoverNotre Dame MBA student Maximo Navarro takes flight for the Fighting Irish football season opener.
- Justice Amy Coney Barrett to deliver Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government lectureAmy Coney Barrett, associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, will speak at the University of Notre Dame at 4 p.m. Sept. 12 in the Leighton Concert Hall of the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center.
