With profound sorrow, the Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is mourning the death of His Holiness Pope Francis. The Catholic community is united in grief and gratitude as we remember the life and legacy of a beloved spiritual leader who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.

In honor of Pope Francis, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg will observe a period of mourning. Special Masses and prayer services will be held across all parishes to commemorate his contributions to the Church and the world. We invite all of the faithful to join us in prayer and reflection during this solemn time. Churches in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg were invited to ring their bells at 3 p.m. today, the hour of Divine Mercy.

Bishop Gregory Parkes expressed his deep condolences, stating:

“Today we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the Father in heaven.  During his 12-year pontificate he taught us through word and example to share the joy of the Gospel, to go to the peripheries of society and the world to care for the poor and marginalized, and he taught us of the need to care for the environment.  And most recently, he emphasized the need to be a synodal church which reaches out and values the contributions of many.  In recent days and weeks, he endured his own personal suffering with patience and never lost his desire to be present to the flock he was called to shepherd.”  

Pope Francis will be remembered as a holy and compassionate leader. His legacy includes:

• First pope from Latin America
• Strived to reform the church through prayer, poverty and peace
• Known for having a missionary heart with an emphasis on reaching the unknown, forgotten, or rejected
• Focused on a preferential option for the poor, fostered support for people on the margins of society, accompanying those who are lost, forgotten, alienated, or in need of healing
• Emphasized listening attentively and responding with tenderness and sensitivity
• Showed courage and unwavering commitment in the face of opposition and controversy
• Promoted unity and respect for different cultures while disapproving of ideologies

Pope Francis served the People of God as Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church from 2013-2025.