Condolences from Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, on the passing of the Holy Father Francis.
With profound sorrow, I learned of the return of our beloved Pope Francis to the Father's house. Together with the entire Church, we return him to God, filled with gratitude for the extraordinary example and gift of love he was for every person and people.
There have been many moments throughout his pontificate when the Holy Father has been a close and loving pastor also for the Focolare Movement: he has always welcomed us and guided us to bear witness to the Gospel with courage and radicalism.
Of the many moments spent with him, we will not forget his words at the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement, received in audience in 2021:
«"Always remain attentive to Christ's cry of self-abandonment on the Cross, which manifests the ultimate expression of love. The grace that flows from it is capable of prompting in us, weak and sinful, generous and sometimes heroic responses; it is capable of transforming suffering and even tragedy into a source of light and hope for humanity."1
Finally, I cannot but express my gratitude to the Pope's love and personal attention toward me, toward the suffering of my people in the Holy Land, and to his immense gratitude for having called me to participate in the Synod on Synodality, where he himself opened the doors to the synodal Church, which is now taking its first steps throughout the world.
Together with the entire Focolare Movement around the world, I join in the prayers of the universal Church and all men and women of good will, certain that Our Lady, "Salus Populi Romani," to whom he was so devoted, will welcome him to Heaven with open arms.
Margaret Karram
