From Rome: Cardinal Tobin Remembers Pope Francis

In a message to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., remembered Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88.

“In life, he spared no effort to be close to his people, and so many seek to remain close to him,” the cardinal said in a video that was recorded in Rome. Cardinal Tobin was there to concelebrate the Holy Father’s funeral on April 26. He remains in Rome as a member of the College of Cardinals to prepare for the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope.

In in message, Cardinal Tobin added that the Holy Father always “served Christ in his Church with tireless devotion, joyful witness to the Gospel, and a deep love for each one of us. His tenderness, his courage, and his call to holiness have left an indelible mark on the life of the Church and on our own hearts.”

He also said that in word, prayer, and example, Pope Francis had left “a lasting treasure for the Church and for the world.”

In addition to paying tribute to the late pope, Cardinal Tobin spoke of the upcoming conclave, saying that he and his brother cardinals had already gathered “to pray, to reflect, and to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, as we prepare for the sacred task of choosing the next successor to Saint Peter.”

Referring to some of the questions that have come up in discussions, Cardinal Tobin said they were very similar to questions that the Archdiocese of Newark has been asking as it discerns a path forward.

The cardinal also asked the faithful to pray for the Cardinal electors.

“As you pray for the soul of our dear Holy Father, please pray also that the Holy Spirit will guide the Church during this sacred time of renewal,” Cardinal Tobin said before blessing the people of the archdiocese.

You may access the full message from Cardinal Tobin in English or Spanish on the Archdiocesan website or view the video below: