Pope Francis, 1936-2025: We thank God for a wonderful supporter of CHARIS and Catholic Charismatic Renewal

Pope Francis has been praised for his "generous dedication and testimony" after he died at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025.

The Pope died on Easter Monday at 7.35am at his home in Casa Santa Marta at the Vatican, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced.

"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church," Cardinal Farrell said.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

Pope Francis made a significant impact on Catholic Charismatic Renewal and inaugurated CHARIS, the new and unique service of communion meant to assist all the charismatic groups that the Spirit has raised up in the world. Pope Francis called the Renewal the "current of grace", which was a fruit of the Second Vatican Council.

When CHARIS was inaugurated in 2019, he said: "Today one thing ends and another begins. A new stage of this journey is beginning. A stage marked by communion between all the members of the charismatic family, in which the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit is manifested for the good of the entire Church. A presence that makes each one equal, since each has been born of the same Spirit: great and small, old and young, engaged on the worldwide or local levels, all form a whole that is always greater than the part."

CHARIS International, the organisation founded by Pope Francis, responded to the news of his passing "with deep sadness", paying tribute to his "generous" contribution in a statement which said: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Pope Francis. In CHARIS International, we join in prayer with the whole Church and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Thank you, Pope Francis, for all your generous dedication and testimony."

"May our Holy Father Pope Francis reap his eternal reward and may he hear the words: ‘well done good and faithful servant."

CHARIS International called on Pope Francis to pray for Catholic Charismatic Renewal. The Service said: "Pope Francis, intercede from heaven for the Church and the Current of Grace."

Abhy Thomas, Coordinator of the CNSC, responded to the news by offering the following prayer: Loving Father, embrace the soul of Pope Francis, who spent his life serving you and guiding us your flock closer to your heart. Hold us, your Church, close in this time, and send us a shepherd after your own heart to lead us in your light. Amen

Picture: CHARIS International