The University of San Diego Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis

The University of San Diego (USD) mourns the loss of Pope Francis, who died at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday, according to The Vatican. 

Pope Francis was known for his humility, his commitment to social justice, his care for the planet and for his deep concern for those who are poor and most vulnerable. 

“We pray in thanksgiving for his 12 years of wise and compassionate leadership as Pope and commend his soul to our loving Creator,” says Michael Lovette-Colyer, PhD, USD’s vice president for Mission Integration. “We also pray for the Church and for Catholics around the world. May we honor his life by carrying on his legacy.”

USD is also dedicated to social justice, serving those who are most in need and caring for our common home — and will carry on his legacy by remaining true to those efforts. Latin for “Praised Be,” Laudato Si’ is the name the pope’s encyclical on caring for our common home — planet earth. It is the foundation upon which one of the four cornerstones and one of five goals in Lighting the Way to 2030, USD’s new strategic plan, was built. This means USD will continue its efforts to care for our common home and will strengthen its financial foundation and optimizing the use of resources while continuing to advance the principles of Laudato Si’. 

USD will also honor his legacy by serving the community and by continuing to inspire its students to be compassionate servant-leaders who respect the dignity of every human and to reinforce the promise made in USD’s mission to prepare the next generation of leaders, thinkers and Changemakers to address the challenges of our time. 

“We at USD are grateful to Pope Francis for his leadership, his wisdom his servant’s heart, his deep compassion and his profound faith,” said President James T. Harris III, DEd. “He has truly led with love — and will continue to be an inspiration to USD, and to Catholics around the world.”

— USD News Center