Catholic organisations in NZ mourn the loss of Pope Francis

Sisters of Compassion congregational leader Sr Margaret Anne Mills DOLC said that “whilst our hearts are heavy, they are also full of gratitude for the life he lived and the love he showed in the service of Christ”. 

“Pope Francis’ death is significant for the Sisters of Compassion as we have lost a friend who knew a little about us as – a small religious congregation at the ends of the earth,” she wrote.

Sr Margaret Anne said the Sisters are grateful to the many people who “had personal meetings with Pope Francis and shared their knowledge about Meri Hōhepa Suzanne Aubert and the hope for Aotearoa New Zealand to have a recognised saint by the Catholic Church.”

She recalled meeting Pope Francis in Rome at plenary sessions for the International Union of Superior Generals. “Each time I felt his warmth and genuine interest in Aotearoa New Zealand,” she said.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Mena Antonio expressed deep sadness at the death of Pope Francis.

“We remember the words of the late Pope at this time: ‘A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.’

“Pope Francis also spoke of Caritas as ‘the caress of the Church to its people’. He was a great encourager, and a great witness to Christ’s love for the poor,” Ms Antonio said.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul in New Zealand stated in a Facebook post that Pope Francis was “a true shepherd who lived and practised what he preached, sharing the love of Jesus to the very end”.

Society president Gerry Stevens said in a subsequent statement that Pope Francis “didn’t just talk about the poor; he stood with them”.

“He rejected pomp and splendour and opened his heart to the marginalised and vulnerable. His witness was stunning. He showed us the way to live out the Gospel fearlessly and with deep compassion,” Mr Stevens said.

Sr Veronica Casey PBVM had the opportunity to speak to Pope Francis about prison ministry in Aotearoa when she attended a Vatican conference in 2019.

She said: “Pope Francis has a deep concern for people in prison. At the conference he urged for changes in the outlook and approach in treating people in prison, offering help and adequate resources to live a dignified life, not discarding them.”

Independent Catholic magazine Tui Motu InterIslands said the death of Pope Francis “leaves a hole in the group of leaders who stood up for justice, peace and a spirit of inclusion and generosity in the world. We will miss him”.

FULL STORY

Congregational Leader, Sister Margaret Anne Mills, reflects on the passing of Pope Francis – compassion.org.nz (Sisters of Compassion)

We Remember Pope Francis with Gratitude 1936-2025… (Tui Motu InterIslands)

Facebook (Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand/Facebook)

Facebook (Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ/Facebook)

SVDP media release