The Catholic Church has been deeply moved by the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. The National Executive Committee (CNE) highlighted his life as a “testimony of service, hope, and love, inspiring millions, including Scouts worldwide”.
In a poignant statement, the CNE acknowledged Pope Francis’s strong and positive connection with Scouting, noting how he recognized many principles within the movement that he deemed essential for a full Christian life. The CNE emphasized the Pope’s encouragement for the youth to become “artisans of the future”, urging them to brave paths, care for the common home, and live their faith with commitment and joy.
Ivo Faria, the national chief of CNE, remarked, “This Pope truly was a New Man in a new world that he helped to transform. A true Scout.”
The Salesians of Portugal also responded to the Pope’s passing, underlining the significant loss to humanity. In a message from Father Tarcízio Morais, the Salesian Provincial, Pope Francis was described as “the Pope of simplicity, presence, listening, of Christ” and “a voice in defense of the poorest, the last, the most distant”.
“With Pope Francis, everything was different. A lesson in humility and simplicity. Austerity and dedication. Francis in name, Francis in life. Determined, with clear words, straightforward, he deeply resonated. Simple in style yet incisive, he made himself understood, he made himself heard, he became of all. Strong in fragility, serious in responding to challenges, close to those in need, he dared to make and be different,” wrote Father Morais.
Tarcízio Morais also recalled “the kindness of welcoming refugees and migrants, the strength of faith, the need for peace, confidence in openness, encounter, the necessary peace”, characteristics that, in his view, defined Pope Francis’s actions.
Pope Francis died today after a 12-year papacy characterized by his fight against sexual abuse, wars, and a pandemic. Born in Buenos Aires on December 17, 1936, he was the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church.
The Pope had been hospitalized for 38 days due to bilateral pneumonia and was discharged on March 23. His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, at the Vatican, a day before his death.
