LOOP: A look back at the Francis papacy

MONDAY, APRIL 21 THE HOLY FATHER HAS PASSED AWAY  "We give thanks to God for the gift of the pope, his brother bishops, and our Holy Mother Church," said CatholicVote Vice President Josh Mercer on Monday. "The days following a pope's death also call for intense prayer and fasting for the future of the Church as the cardinals gather to elect his successor." READ A LOOK BACK AT HIS PAPACY  The death of Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and the first pontiff from the Americas, marks the end of one of the most eventful, transformative, and controversial papacies in modern Catholic history. Here is a look back at his remarkable tenure as the Vicar of Christ.  READ NOVENDIELES: NINE DAYS OF PRAYERFUL MOURNING FOR THE POPE  The death of a pope sets in motion a solemn and deeply symbolic series of events steeped in centuries of tradition. The Vatican is about to enter a period of mourning known as the Novendiales—nine days of prayer and liturgical rites.  READ SNAPSHOT OF AN ICONIC MOMENT IN POPE FRANCIS' PONTIFICATE On a rain-soaked evening in March 2020, as the world grappled with an invisible enemy that had brought nations to their knees, a solitary figure in white against the vast emptiness of a gloomy St. Peter's Square delivered a message that would resonate across continents, transcend religious boundaries, and touch the hearts of millions. READ POPE FRANCIS' STRIKING REMARKS ON THE SANCTITY OF LIFE  Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis often employed strong language while reiterating Catholic teaching on the sanctity of life – sometimes comparing abortion to "hiring a hitman." READ CONCLAVE COVERAGE SOON TO COME  When the time comes, we will be sure to keep all our subscribers informed about the next papal conclave. Forward this edition of the LOOP to friends or invite them to sign up at catholicvote.org/getloop to ensure everyone stays up to date. GET THE LOOP HISTORIC: POPE FRANCIS' CONSECRATION OF RUSSIA TO MARY  One month after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Pope Francis consecrated Russia, Ukraine, and the entire world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Holy Father's act of consecration was made in response to the request of the Blessed Virgin Mary during her 1917 apparitions in Fatima. READ HOW POPE FRANCIS' CALENDAR CHANGES HONORED OUR LADY  Pope Francis made several changes to the Church's calendar that deepened the connection between Marian devotion and major holy days. He established a new feast: Mary, Mother of the Church, celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost. He also moved the Feast of Our Lady of Loreto to December 10, placing it within the octave of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. READ PRAY FOR OUR HOLY FATHER'S REPOSE  We mourn Pope Francis, and we call on all Catholics to join us in praying for his happy repose. Through the intercession of Saint Joseph, Light of Patriarchs, to whom the Holy Father had a special devotion, may Our Lord grant Pope Francis eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen. PRAY AND SHARE Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127