Office of the President

“So you are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”

— John 16:22

Dear Seton Hall Community,

Today, our University joins millions of Catholics and non-Catholics around the world in mourning the loss of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

Throughout his life — and especially during his papacy — Francis embodied the teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

He spoke and acted against everything that opposed Christ. We will miss his voice, his wisdom, his courage, his humility and his mere presence in the world.

He was the first pope from the Society of Jesus, the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born or raised outside Europe since the 8th century.

Speaking to the crowd in St. Peter's Square shortly after his elevation, he began with a simple invitation: "I ask that you pray to the Lord to bless me."

He then reciprocated by promising the crowd, "I will now give my blessing to you and the whole world."

Through his encyclicals, he led us to greater faith in God and closeness with each other. He instructed us with joy, as he brought the world to a deeper understanding of the heart of Christ.

Forever, he will continue to teach and bless us, as he did on that first day in St. Peter’s Square. And as he asked us on that day, we will continue to pray for him, our Church and the world.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, I invite you to continue the work begun by Francis, for certainly he was a pope for all people.

May he rest in the peace of Christ, whom he served tirelessly throughout his life and ministry.

Yours truly in the Lord Jesus,

Monsignor Reilly