Catholics for Choice Statement on the Death of Pope Francis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, April 21, 2025
Contact: Ashley Wilson, Senior Advisor
Phone: 202-294-4081
Email: media@catholicsforchoice.org
Catholics for Choice Statement on the Death of Pope Francis
WASHINGTON — Catholics for Choice, which uplifts and amplifies the voices of the majority of Catholics who believe in reproductive freedom, released the following statement from Interim President Chris Wimbush on the death of Pope Francis:
“Pope Francis brought the church forward on a host of critical issues, calling attention to climate change and economic inequality in a way unlike his predecessors. He eased tensions with Catholic sisters in the United States and paved the way for greater involvement of women in the church, especially in his Synod on Synodality. It is a profound testament to his faith that he served the church during our most Holy time, only to pass away the day after Easter.
“He accomplished all of this despite unprecedented and unprincipled opposition from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and some U.S. political leaders, making his work even more impressive. For so many of us, Pope Francis embodied a church that is humble and capable of change.
“Pope Francis was by no means a perfect pope — and he would be the first to admit that. On issues of gender and sexuality, Pope Francis still fell short, failing to engage the various nuances and complexities of both in the way that a 21st-century pope must. We empathize with Catholics who feel conflicted about Pope Francis’ passing, particularly given his remarks about female theologians, the transgender community, and people who have had abortions. We pray that the more compassionate and pastoral nature of his papacy continues to guide the church.
“The legacy of Pope Francis is a complicated one, but we remain grateful for all that he taught and the example he set for the world. He was undoubtedly an agent of peace. We join with Catholics worldwide in mourning his passing, and we pray that the College of Cardinals will honor his legacy by choosing a successor who will continue his progressive path forward.”
###
Catholics for Choice shapes and advances sexual and reproductive ethics that are based on justice, reflect a commitment to a person’s well-being and respect, and affirm the capacity of all people to make moral decisions about their lives.
