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.”

Originally published by Notre Dame News at news.nd.edu on April 21, 2025.