Message of thanks from Bishop Solis

Friday, May. 09, 2025

Greeting of peace and love in the Risen Christ! 

On behalf of the Catholic community in Utah, I thank all the people of God for their heartfelt condolences at the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. I am grateful to His Excellency Governor Spencer J. Cox, my fellow clergy and ministers of the many different religious communities, civic and community leaders, and the community in general for their expressions of sympathy and prayers. Your consoling messages and acts of kindness have been a source of immense comfort and strength to the Roman Catholic community all over our Beehive State. 

Pope Francis, a beacon of hope, love and compassion, was a faithful shepherd who led and guided us with his unwavering faith and humility during a tumultuous pandemic, wars and conflicts in eastern Europe and the Middle East, poverty and political polarization in our society and in the world. His simplicity, humility, loving service to the poor, and compassionate outreach to the marginalized and ostracized members in our society has been an inspiration for us and will be for generations to come.

I had the honor of meeting Pope Francis on ad limina visits to Rome that unfailingly left an indelible mark on my heart. His fatherly and fraternal warmth and genuine concern for the well-being of all God’s children were evident in his words and deeds. During his papacy, he made known the universal love of God for all, promoted the sanctity of every human life, the dignity of every person, global unity, and fraternity; and he tirelessly brought the light of Christ’s hope, peace and justice to the world.

During the last year of his papacy, Our Holy Father declared a special Year of Jubilee, calling us to be Pilgrims of Hope with the reminder that the hope of Christ does not disappoint (cf Romans 5:5). He sought to instill in our hearts trust in a merciful God. As he once said, “Love is more powerful, love gives life, and love makes hope blossom in the wilderness.” These words encapsulate the essence of his ministry and the profound impact he had on our lives. 

As we mourn the loss of a true and dedicated spiritual leader, let us also celebrate his life, which influenced and inspired not only millions of Catholics but countless other people of good will. Let us continue his great legacy by living the Gospel values of love, mercy and justice that he so passionately embodied, and witness this by our own acts of goodness, charitable outreach to those in need, and by fostering a spirit of fraternity, unity and peace in our communities and in the world.

As I write this, a group of cardinals is preparing to gather for a conclave to elect the successor of Pope Francis. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire their minds to discern and elect the new Head of the Catholic Church, the Vicar of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your goodness, unwavering support and solidarity. May God bless you!