On Easter Monday morning in this Jubilee Year our Holy Father, Pope Francis, concluded his pilgrimage of hope. Literally, consistent to the end he was with God’s people with blessings and simple greetings in St. Peter’s Square witnessing to the courage and joy that flows from the Risen Lord. Throughout his papacy, evangelization was a constant focus. With urgency and vivid language, he taught that the good news must be brought to all people, especially those on the peripheries, those forgotten, those suffering.

In his reform of the operation of the Vatican, evangelization has become more clearly the purpose and mission of all the departments and councils. Pope Francis assumed the responsibility personally for the Dicastery of Evangelization, and so we at the Pontifical Mission Societies entrusted to this Dicastery have also lost our Prefect. As a fitting tribute and thanks to Pope Francis we all can resolve to be ever generous instruments for the promotion of the missionary responsibility of every baptized person and for the support of new parishes and diocese throughout the world.

May the Lord welcome Pope Francis into the joy of the Kingdom. May he rest in peace 


Bishop John A. Boissonneau
National Director