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April 25, 2025

The Interfaith Council of Greater Springfield joins those grieving Pope Francis's death. We hold in our hearts, especially our Catholic colleagues, neighbors, and friends… as well as so many Christians and those of all faiths who the Pope’s life and ministry have impacted.  

In an era where far too many public figures sow division for their own power and benefit, Pope Francis offered us all something different. He emphasized consistently the need to look out for those on society’s many margins. He encouraged people to come together, to break out from our silos, religious or otherwise. He reminded us all, again and again, of our shared humanity and our need to care for one another and our environment. A true champion of peace and of interfaith relations, he called out violence, even and especially in the name of Christianity… instead encouraging us all to become “artisans of peace, by uniting and not dividing, by extinguishing hatred and not holding on to it, by opening paths to new dialogue.” He encouraged people of different faiths to dream together, to stretch our faithful imaginations in ways that can yet remake the world in the ways of mercy and love.

We, neighbors and friends of many faiths, organized here in Springfield in the name of interfaith dialogue and peace, join you in mourning this loss. May the good company and prayers of your neighbors be of some comfort. And may our dreaming together be ever renewed in honor and memory of Pope Francis.


Contact information:
Rev. Dr. Jason Seymour, President
interfaithcouncilgs@gmail.com