The St. Bonaventure University community joins Catholics worldwide in mourning today’s passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. We are deeply saddened by this loss and offer our heartfelt condolences to the Holy See; the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the religious order Jorge Bergoglio joined in 1958; and the global Catholic Church. 

Pope Francis will be remembered for his dedication to serving the poor and marginalized, care for our common home, and his simple lifestyle. Laudato Si’, his 2015 encyclical letter addressing climate change and devasting impact on those least responsible for environmental degradation, and Fratelli Tutti, his 2020 encyclical letter on fraternity and social friendship, began with words from St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of his pontificate. 

As a Catholic Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is committed to upholding the values of compassion, wisdom and integrity. We are grateful for Pope Francis’ leadership and his profound contributions to our understanding of God’s love and the mission of the Church.

In the coming days, St. Bonaventure will hold events commemorating the Pope’s legacy; details will follow. We invite our students, faculty, staff and the wider Bonaventure community to join us in prayer and reflection as we honor his memory.

May his soul rest in peace. 

Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.
President 

Fr. Stephen Mimnaugh, O.F.M. 
Vice President for Mission Integration