Saint Leo University Mourns Loss Of Pope Francis
James DeTuccio, Saint Leo University interim chief operating officer issues university statement in response to the passing of Pope Francis
The Saint Leo University community joins those around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church with humility and grace. We ask that he be granted eternal rest, and we pray for all who knew and loved him.
A courageous, loving, and sincere leader, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as pope in 2013, choosing the papal name of Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who is noted for his patronage of the environment and animals. Pope Francis followed that example, exemplifying not only St. Francis, but also one of Saint Leo’s core values — responsible stewardship — in his famous encyclical Laudato si', subtitled "on care for our common home."
Pope Francis was recognized for demonstrating humbleness, emphasizing God’s mercy, caring for the poor, and committing to interreligious dialogue — one of the tenets of Saint’s Leo’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies.
As a Catholic university, Saint Leo mourns the loss of the Church’s leader, but also mourns the loss of a gentle, benevolent man who demonstrated courage and kindness throughout his life.