Statement of Adrian Dominican Sisters
on the Death of Pope Francis
April 21, 2025, Adrian, Michigan – On behalf of Adrian Dominican Sisters and Associates, the Congregation’s General Council issued the following statement in response to the death of Pope Francis.
We awakened this Easter Monday to the sorrowful news that our beloved Pope Francis, 88, has died.
Irish American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo or acting head, somberly announced: “Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
In his 12-year papacy, Pope Francis made consequential changes to our Church and world for which we will always be grateful. Among these, he called us into a culture of encuentro with one another, into an integral ecology for the common good of God’s people and our Earth home, and into being a Synodal Church – inclusive, listening, and in communion on mission. In powerful word, gesture and deed, he reached out with great compassion to the desperate, destitute and marginalized, cried out for an end to the horror of war and for joyfully embracing migrants in welcome.
We hold Pope Francis in prayer as he enters new life in God’s loving embrace. We also pray for our Church and world as we mourn the loss of this loving, impactful global leader – that we may carry forward his historic legacy.
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The Dominican Sisters of Adrian, a Congregation of about 370 vowed women religious and 180 Associates, traces its roots back to St. Dominic in the 13th century. The Sisters minister in 19 states, the Dominican Republic, Norway, and the Philippines. The Congregation’s Vision is to “seek truth, make peace, reverence life.” Members of the Adrian Dominican Sisters General Council are Sisters Elise D. García, OP, Prioress; Bibiana “Bless” Colasito, OP, and Frances Nadolny, OP, General Councilors; Lorraine Réaume, OP, Vicaress and General Councilor; and Corinne Sanders, OP, General Councilor.