Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Bishop: Pope Francis a messenger of hope
Published: April 22, 2025
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following statement, April 21, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis greets Bishop Taylor during a meeting with U.S. bishops from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas during their "ad limina" visits to the Vatican in January 2020. The bishops were making their "ad limina" visits to report on the status of their dioceses to the pope and Vatican officials.
“The passing of Pope Francis calls us to pray for him and to reflect on our relationship with the Lord. As the spiritual leader for Catholics throughout the world, he led by word and example, always challenging himself along with us to be more Christ-like in the way we live our faith.
"He sought to be a messenger of hope and mercy for Catholics and others, calling all to a deeper relationship with the Lord through prayer and good works that reflected the compassion and love of Jesus. He was sincerely and deeply concerned about the poor and people living on the margins, and he was not afraid as their Shepherd to be their voice.
"As we join the world in mourning the Holy Father’s passing, let us pray for eternal rest for his soul. Eternal rest grant unto your servant, Pope Francis, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.”
Sincerely in Christ,
+Anthony B. Taylor
Bishop of Little Rock
