Council of Bishops Statement on the Death of Pope Francis
The members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church join in the global sorrow expressed upon the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. Pope Francis’s historic pontificate ushered in a renewed focus on the lives of “the least of these” through his pronouncements on the humane treatment of migrants and those in material poverty.
The AME Church and Roman Catholic Church have a longstanding ecumenical relationship through the World Methodist Council, and we count it a privilege that Bishop John F. White and Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Sr., were warmly received at the Vatican by Pope Francis during his tenure.
Pope Francis truly was a “servant of the servants of God,” exercising his duties to proclaim the Resurrection of Christ until his last breath. His humility and calls for social justice were living testaments to what a well-lived Christian witness should be.
We pray for the Roman Catholic Church as they enter this season of mourning for the loss of their leader, and for God to wisely direct the College of Cardinals as they embark on a season of discernment for a new leader.
Bishop Silvester S. Beaman
President, Council of Bishops
