This week, our school community has joined Catholics around the world in mourning Pope Francis, who died on  Easter Monday.  For SJBC, as a Roman Catholic school, this is a deeply significant moment. Pope Francis played a central role in shaping the direction of the Church, and his message has had a lasting impact on our school’s values and ethos.

Much of our environmental work is inspired by his encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls on us to care for our common home. He also set the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope” for the Jubilee Year that Catholics are celebrating this year – a message we are reflecting on as a school.

This week we have:

• Included prayers for Pope Francis and the Church in our daily morning and midday reflections
• Held a special Mass after school celebrated by Fr Andrew
• Dedicated tutor time to learning about his life, values and legacy
• Created a display in our chaplaincy featuring students' reflections on what Pope Francis meant to them

Pope Francis will be remembered for his humility, warmth and courage. He championed hope, spoke up for the poor and marginalised, and reminded us to treat the planet – and one another – with care and respect. His call for a more compassionate, inclusive Church continues to inspire us.

We encourage families to watch the funeral of Pope Francis together this Saturday, 26th April at 9:00am on TV. It will be a moment of history,  a chance to reflect on his life and leadership as a family, and to be part of a global moment of remembrance.

As the Church now prepares to elect a new Pope in the coming days, we pray for guidance for those involved in this important decision.

We give thanks for the life and leadership of Pope Francis, and we will continue to honour his legacy through what we teach, how we act, and how we care for one another.