Mons. Kutleša: Pope Francis was a witness to evangelical simplicity and deep spirituality

The Archbishop of Zagreb emphasized on Easter Monday that Pope Francis was a witness to evangelical simplicity and deep spirituality, and that his life's ministry was, as Saint Paul would say, a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God.

On Easter Monday the Archbishop of Zagreb and the President of the Croatian Bishops' Conference, Mons. Dražen Kutleša commented on the passing of Pope Francis: "While the Easter cry of victory over death resounded in our hearts, we received the news that the Lord had called to Himself the Holy Father, Pope Francis, a shepherd who, with immense love, steadfast perseverance and evangelical humility, led the Church of Christ in a time of great challenges. Pope Francis ended his earthly journey in faith and devotion to the One to whom he dedicated his entire life, Jesus Christ, the King of Mercy. Therefore, filled with deep sorrow, but also with Christian hope in eternal life, we lift our hearts to God, the Lord of life."

Kutleša issued a Circular on the occasion of the Pope’s passing in the Vatican: "Pope Francis was a witness to evangelical simplicity and deep spirituality. His life's ministry was, as Saint Paul would say, a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God. He often reminded the Church that her true strength lies in serving, not in ruling, in proximity to the little people, not in alliance with the powerful. His effort to make the Church one that reaches out to the peripheries has returned many wounded souls to the healing gaze of Jesus and touched the conscience of modern man."

The Pope's priestly and episcopal ministry, he added, was a reflection of missionary fervor: "in which he "taught how to live the values of the Gospel with steadfast fidelity, courage and sincere love towards all, especially towards those who are poor, wounded and on the margins of society."

"In this painful moment for the universal Church, in the spirit of faith, gratitude and Easter hope, let us unite in prayer - in our parishes, communities, families and personal concentration. We ask the Lord to receive the soul of his faithful servant Pope Francis into the expanses of heavenly joy," urged Mons. Kutleša.

Source: HRT