Mourning the death of Pope Francis
Message from Monsignor Bob on Pope Francis’ death
We mourn the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday after celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus. Pope Francis taught us to be protectors of life, which begins with life in the womb and then is equally sacred in every moment and stage of life. He called us to be protectors of creation and to be a church of the poor. Taking the name of St. Francis of Assisi, he asked that we be people of peace and to work for peace in the world. He was a Pope of humility and compassion, reminding us that the church is a mother where all her children find a home. We pray that Pope Francis now rest in peace and share the fullness of life and joy in heaven.
Blessings,
Msgr. Bob Cilinski
Pastor
Nativity Catholic Church
Diocesan priests reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis
Anna Donofrio and Jim Hale | Catholic Herald Staff Writers | April 21, 2025
He advocated for the poor, the elderly, migrants and refugees. He championed care for creation and an end to global wars. Over the course of his 12-year pontificate, Pope Francis sought to uplift the marginalized and unify a global church in faith and service to the poor. His words and actions resonated in the hearts of Catholics across the globe, including priests and parishioners in the Arlington diocese.
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Msgr. Robert C. Cilinski, pastor of Nativity Catholic Church in Burke, said that the pope’s “warmth, humility and vision has inspired and captivated the world.”
Pope Francis “reminded us that just as St. Joseph protected the Holy Family, we should be protectors of life, starting with the baby in the womb where life begins, and then all life and creation — protecting the earth, our common home, was a main teaching of his papacy,” said Msgr. Cilinski.
“Pope Francis called us to be a church of the poor, caring for the most vulnerable members of society. His first trip outside of Rome was to the Italian island of Lampedusa, the entry point of migrants to Europe, fleeing death and extreme poverty. Pope Francis put the last first, as Jesus taught us. He took the name of Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy and of the poor, and was the only pope to choose his name. He called us to be people of peace,” he said.
Msgr. Cilinski had a special message for those who grew up during the dozen-year pontificate of Pope Francis. “To our youth, Pope Francis has been your pope, the pope of your childhood and your teenage years,” he said. “For me it was Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI. They inspired me as Pope Francis inspires you. Every pope of my lifetime has been a gift. We entrust Pope Francis to God — God’s gift to us, with praise and thanksgiving.”
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