Dear friends and fellow members of Trinity Lutheran Church,

I, like many of you, awoke this morning to the news that Pope Francis has passed away. As we continue our Easter celebration and reflect on the promise of the resurrection, let us give thanks to our Lord for the life of this humble servant and the guidance he has offered to Catholics across this country and around the world.

Let us pray:

Merciful Father, we lift before you Pope Francis.
Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming.
Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
and into the glorious company of the saints in light.

Give courage and faith to those in the Roman Catholic community and all who mourn,
that we may meet the days ahead with comfort, hope, and the joyful expectation of eternal life.
Grant to all who grieve a sure confidence in your loving care,
that, casting all their sorrow on you, they may know the consolation of your love.

This we pray in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Let us stand together in prayer and compassion with our Catholic brothers and sisters during this time.