A solemn Holy Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral on April 25, marking the first anniversary of the passing of Pope Francis, with His Eminence Cardinal Charles Bo urging the faithful to remember a pontiff who redefined the Church through mercy, humility, and reform.

The 5:00 p.m. Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Cardinal Bo of Yangon Archdiocese, who had invited all diocesan and religious priests to unite in prayer for the late Pope’s eternal repose.

At the beginning of Mass, the Cardinal reflected: “Pope Francis is praying for us more than we remember him in prayer.”

A Legacy of Mercy and Renewal

In his homily, Cardinal Bo described Pope Francis’ pontificate as a time of profound transformation. He recalled the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the Pope’s constant call to rediscover God’s love. The late Pontiff’s care for the poor, migrants, prisoners, and the wounded defined his ministry.

“Christianity is not about authority but love; not rejection but encounter; not judgment but compassion,” Cardinal Bo said.

He highlighted the Pope’s reforms within the Vatican, including curial restructuring, financial transparency, and empowering local bishops. His advocacy for social justice, environmental stewardship through *Laudato Si’*, and synodality—the call for the entire Church to journey together through listening and discernment—were central to his teaching.

Cardinal Bo also recalled Pope Francis’ personal witness of simplicity: living humbly, washing the feet of people of different faiths, and carrying his own bag while traveling. The Pope frequently appealed for peace in Myanmar and encouraged dialogue among all parties.

Papal Representative’s Tribute

Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, the Papal Representative, delivered a message of remembrance before the final blessing. He recalled Pope Francis’ deep affection for Myanmar, including his Apostolic Visit in 2017 and his expressed desire to establish a papal residence in the country.

“Our hearts are filled with vivid memories of his gestures, words, and calls for fraternity, dialogue, and unity,” Msgr. Ferrante said. “Through him, we felt the embrace of the universal Church.”

Quoting Pope Leo XIV, he noted that Pope Francis sought to foster mutual respect and a spirit of fraternity, encouraging all to live as missionary disciples filled with the joy of the Gospel. He also highlighted the late Pope’s call to confront inequality, economic injustice, and violence while urging hope.

“Pope Francis has been a gift to us all,” Msgr. Ferrante concluded. “May he help us to follow in his footsteps.”

The Mass brought together clergy, religious, and lay faithful to honor a pontiff whose legacy of mercy, simplicity, and reform continues to inspire the Church in Myanmar and worldwide.

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service