Memorial Mass for Pope Francis

Sermon by Cardinal Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan, April 27, 2025

Dear brothers and sisters,

We gather today in deep sorrow. Our beloved Pope Francis has been called to the Father after an 88-year life’s journey. This abrupt separation is a pain for the Church that loses a vigorous shepherd and an immeasurable loss for people around the world.

Born in Argentina in 1936 as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, throughout his life as a Jesuit priest and pope he remained full of love and mercy. His life was committed to the service of the Church and all people, fulfilling his mission as a dedicated shepherd spreading hope and light to the world.

By his teaching and actions, Pope Francis has shown us how to live with humility and tolerance, and to value dialogue. How many people have been healed, encouraged, and given hope by his warm smile and powerful words! But now we can no longer hear the voice of Pope Francis, and we feel that a guiding light has receded. The passing of Pope Francis has left a deep void in our hearts and reminds us of the greatness of his presence.

On March 13, 2013, when he was elected as the 266th pope in the conclave following the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI, he chose the name “Francis” after the peace seeker St. Francis of Assisi who loved the poor and nature. Pope Francis kept the phrase, “Do not forget the poor,” engraved in his heart. True to his name, the Pope lived a humble and simple lifestyle, showing deep empathy for the poor, the vulnerable and marginalized, defending their rights and sending a strong message that no one should be excluded. In particular, the Pope’s deep affection and empathy for immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized members of society was evident.

In July of that same year after a ship carrying more than 500 African refugees sank near the island of Lampedusa, Italy, killing more than 300 people, Pope Francis held a special Mass on the island to mourn the victims. With tears in his eyes, the pope said, “This sea is an underwater cemetery with too many dead.” He condemned the international community’s indifference to the issue of migrants and held people around the world accountable. It was his first official visit as Pope, and it was an event of vivid symbolic significance.

In November 2013, Pope Francis issued the apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel,” in which he vividly envisioned a joy-filled Church in which no one is excluded. Subsequently, in May 2015, through the encyclical “Laudato Si”, he strongly appealed to the world for the importance of peace and environmental protection by respecting all life. His enthusiasm for reform with an eye to the future is also evident in his efforts to point the way toward a synodal Church community that listens to each other, supports each other without excluding anyone, and prays for each other to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For Pope Francis this was the guiding principle of the Church community for the future.

In 2019, Pope Francis made the first papal visit to Japan in 38 years. He met many people in Nagasaki, Hiroshima, and Tokyo, and strongly conveyed the importance of realizing peace through dialogue and protecting all life. In particular, he went out of his way to state that not only the use of nuclear weapons, but even their possession is “immoral,” making a deep impression on the hearts of those who wish for peace. For the Church in Japan, it was a moment when our shepherd showed his presence. At that time, we were directly touched by the voice of Pope Francis, and we still vividly recall being given spiritual joy and strength, and our hearts burned.

The bishops of Japan visited Rome twice in 2015 and 2024 on our regular Apostolic Visit (Ad Limina) and had the opportunity to exchange views directly with Pope Francis. We learned much from his willingness to listen and accompany us rather than issuing commands based on authority.

It happened that Pope Francis’ last Easter came to an emotional conclusion. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope uttered a short but powerful speech: “Dear brothers and sisters, happy Easter.” And as he toured the square in an open car, he blessed a baby and gave joy to many believers. This was the last surprise of love that Pope Francis bequeathed to us, and it left a deep impression on the hearts of many.

We will find the strength to overcome our sense of loss by walking the path that Pope Francis has shown us and inheriting his spirit.

Let us pray from the bottom of our hearts that our beloved Pope Francis may have eternal rest in the presence of our Father, and let us continue to walk toward the future without dimming the flame of love and hope that he has lit.