April 26, 2025

This image shows a handshake greeting between Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS National Minister and Pope Francis in 2021.

National minister Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS, meets Pope Francis in 2021 in Rome.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Today, we prayed as our Holy Father, Pope Francis, was laid to rest at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome.

Pope Francis was so consistent with his message about the Gospel. His first Apostolic Letter – Evangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the Gospel was in line with the OFS Rule. My initial thoughts were that he wanted everyone to be a Secular Franciscan.

I had the opportunity to greet Pope Francis personally in 2021 when I represented the United States at the General OFS Chapter in Rome.  It was a magnificent highlight of the visit.

His example of being available to people always impressed me. I have much to learn from his careful attention to the marginalized. May we continue to lift our Holy Father in prayer. Pope Francis, pray for us as we continue bringing the Good News of Jesus to each person we meet.

Your sister,
Jane DeRose-Bamman, OFS
National Minister