SILVER SPRING, Maryland – The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), is deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a champion for the marginalized, particularly immigrants and refugees. His compassion and leadership have inspired and guided countless individuals and organizations in their mission to serve those in need, especially the most vulnerable among us. 

"Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Pope Francis, our Holy Father who has been a true advocate for immigrants and refugees. His leadership and love for the marginalized have inspired us and countless others to further the Gospel by living out our calling to serve ‘the least of these’ with compassion and unwavering dedication," said Anna Gallagher, executive director of CLINIC. "As we mourn his passing, we take comfort in his prayers and in the example he set for all of us. We pray he is now united with the God he loved and know he will continue to advocate for vulnerable people on the move. His deep care for migrants and refugees will continue to guide our work and the work of so many others who strive for justice and mercy in our world."

Pope Francis has been a faithful advocate for migrants and refugees, calling on the global community to open their hearts and provide dignity, justice, and support to those seeking a better life. Through his words and actions, he has reminded us that we are all brothers and sisters, united under our loving God. Pope Francis' commitment to upholding human rights and promoting the dignity of the human person will continue to inspire CLINIC’s mission and will resonate within the hearts of all those who follow the Gospel’s call to welcome the stranger.

As the Church and the world mourn the passing of this beloved leader, CLINIC stands in solidarity with all those who grieve this profound loss, particularly the global Church and those whose lives were touched by his tireless efforts to uplift the poor and dispossessed.

May Pope Francis’ words on the dignity of migrants continue to be a source of inspiration for us all:

• "The Church cannot be herself without the immigrant." (Pope Francis, 2017)
• "Migrants are not a threat to be feared; they are brothers and sisters to be welcomed."(Pope Francis, 2015)
• "The refugee is not a number, he is a man, he is a woman, he is a child, a family, a people who are suffering." (Pope Francis, 2016)
• “It is possible to see in the migrants of our time, as in those of every age, a living image of God’s people on their way to the eternal homeland.” (Pope Francis, 2024)

In this time of mourning, we join with the universal Church in offering a prayer for the soul of Pope Francis and for those who are grieving his passing:

A Prayer for Pope Francis and the Church

Heavenly Father,
We lift our hearts in prayer for the soul of Pope Francis,
Your faithful servant and a beacon of hope for the poor, the oppressed,
and all those who seek refuge.
May You grant him eternal rest and peace in Your loving embrace.
We also pray for the Church, as she seeks a new leader,
that Your wisdom may guide her steps.
May we all be inspired by Pope Francis’ example of compassion,
and may we continue to work toward justice for immigrants and refugees,
who so often bear the weight of this world’s challenges.
Comfort those who mourn and unite us all in Your love.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

CLINIC will continue to honor Pope Francis’ legacy by supporting immigrants and refugees, ensuring that his message of compassion, justice, and dignity lives on in our work.