Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Mourn the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Mourn the Passing of His Holiness Pope Francis
Chicago, IL (April 22, 2025)
The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition continues to grieve the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a giant of moral vision, spiritual strength, and boundless compassion. As the beloved Bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis was a world statesman whose voice called out across borders and boundaries for unity, justice, peace, and unconditional love.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis chose his papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, a saint known for humility, service to the poor, and love for creation. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis embodied those same virtues—rejecting lavishness in favor of modesty, declining palatial apartments for simple quarters, and committing himself fully to the people he served.
His Holiness reminded us not to build walls but to heal fences—to welcome the stranger, uplift the poor, and protect the planet. He often emphasized that our shared human experience is grounded in the image of God and that the Gospel is not a weapon of division but a light that guides us toward reconciliation and justice.
“He taught us that to serve Christ is to serve humanity—and to do so with tenderness and boldness,” said Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. “Whether speaking out against economic inequality, advocating for the environment, or opening the doors of compassion to immigrants and refugees, Pope Francis was a shepherd of peace in a time of division. His life was a living sermon, calling all of us to love more, to judge less, and to walk humbly with our God.”
Rev. Jackson continued, “As I have always said, ‘We must turn to each other, not on each other,’ and Pope Francis lived that truth with every breath of his ministry. He was a moral compass in a time of confusion and conflict, a fierce advocate for peace in an age of war, and a champion of dignity in the face of oppression.”
In his final Easter message, Pope Francis proclaimed:
“There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others.” These words underscore a legacy that mirrors the founding principles of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition—a commitment to stand with the least, the lost, and the left behind, and to create a world that reflects the love and justice of Jesus Christ.
To all who are grieving his loss—the faithful of the Catholic Church, interfaith communities, and every person who found hope and healing in his message—we extend our deepest condolences.
Let us not only mourn Pope Francis but also move in his memory.
Let us act with integrity, walk with compassion, and push for the beloved community where all of God's children can live in peace and dignity.
Let his legacy inspire us to live by the truth he preached—that love must be active, bold, and enduring. Let it animate us to continue the work of justice, mercy, and reconciliation.
“Pope Francis, your light has not faded—it burns on in each of us committed to building a better, more just world.” --Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
Keep Hope Alive!
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