Catholic Media Association Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis

CHICAGO, Illinois (April 21, 2025) — On behalf of the Catholic Media Association, Board President Gretchen R. Crowe and Executive Director Rob DeFrancesco issued the following statement on the death of Pope Francis:

"With sorrowful hearts and deep gratitude to God, we mourn the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

"Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis reminded us that Catholic communicators are not merely messengers of information, but witnesses to hope. His call to be 'communicators of hope,' particularly in this year’s World Day of Social Communications message, challenged us to foster dialogue over division, truth over distortion and gentleness over aggression.

"Pope Francis envisioned a communication that 'walks alongside,' that speaks to the heart and that helps 'write together the history of our future.' These words will continue to guide our mission and inspire our work.

"As members of the Catholic Media Association, we give thanks for his prophetic voice and pastoral heart. We unite in prayer with the Church around the world, entrusting him to the loving mercy of God:

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

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About the Catholic Media Association

The Catholic Media Association is committed to our mission of helping our members share the Good News through Catholic media. We provide professional development, networking, inspiration, and support for the faith formation of Catholic media professionals. Incorporated in 1911, the CMA is an organization of publishers and media professionals united to serve the Church. The CMA is made up of 364 member organizations, consisting of more than 900 mission-driven professionals.

Media Contact
Rob DeFrancesco
Executive Director
rdefrancesco@catholicmediaassociation.org
(312) 380-6789