The United Reformed Church, with Christians everywhere, mourns the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, and extends its sympathy to Catholics who will grieve this loss most keenly.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope in March 2013 taking office after the abdication of Benedict XVI. It is rumoured Bergoglio was the runner up when Benedict was elected and was the first Pope ever to have his predecessor living in such proximity throughout much of his papal ministry.
All who are called to offices of leadership and oversight in the Church realise how demanding these roles can be; none is more demanding than that of Bishop of Rome. The complexity of the task tired Benedict to the point of exhaustion and the toll of the office was heavy for Francis.
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Prayers
Eternal Majesty,
we commend to you our brother Francis,
give him the rest he so sorely needs.
Faithful Shepherd,
help us to model in our lives and ministry,
the mercy, radicalness, and missionary zeal of Your servant Francis,
that your kingdom will come.
Abiding Spirit,
guide the College of Cardinals as they pray, discern, and elect a new pope,
that that the ministry of oversight and leadership embodied in Pope Francis
may bear good fruit. Amen
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