Archbishop Wood on the Death of Pope Francis

The Most Rev. Steve Wood, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, issued the following statement upon the death of Pope Francis:

Statement from the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America on the Passing of Pope Francis

For Immediate Release
April 21, 2025

It is with profound sadness that I have received the news of the passing of His Holiness Pope
Francis. On behalf of the Anglican Church in North America, I extend our deepest condolences to
our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters throughout the world during this time of mourning and
transition.

Pope Francis’s leadership was marked by his heart for the poor, his commitment to interreligious
dialogue, and his unwavering call for us all to be better stewards of God’s creation.

Through his humble service, he reminded Christians of all traditions of our common call to bring
Christ’s compassion to a broken world.

I call upon all Anglicans throughout North America to join me in prayer for the worldwide Catholic
Church during this Eastertide. Let us pray that God will comfort the faithful with the assurance of
the resurrection and the hope we all share in our risen Saviour Jesus Christ.

Additionally, I invite all Anglicans to join with me in prayer for the College of Cardinals as they
enter into conclave to elect a new Pope. May the Holy Spirit guide them with wisdom and
discernment as they choose the next successor to the Chair of St. Peter.

Though differences in doctrine remain between our two communions, we stand alongside our Roman Catholic friends as fellow pilgrims on the journey of faith, united in our common baptism
and our shared belief in the risen Lord.

In this Easter season, we are reminded that even in death, we proclaim the victory of Christ over the
grave:

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? Thanks be to God, who gives us
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15.55, 57)

May the soul of Pope Francis, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God,
rest in peace.

In Christ,

The Most Reverend Steve Wood, Archbishop and Primate
Anglican Church in North America

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