This morning, at 7:35 a.m., Pope Francis returned to the Father’s house at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. Just yesterday, he came to greet and bless the faithful of Rome and the world after Easter Mass for the midday “Regina
Coeli” message and prayer.
Pope Francis has called for a Church that looks to the peripheries, caring for the whole of creation, with the fundamental conviction that humanity forms a single family called to an inclusive salvation, especially for the poor and
marginalised. We are grateful for this vision, which revitalises and broadens our missionary charism. He has pushed us to promote collaboration with the religious and laity who share the same missionary inspiration.
As the Society of African Missions, with all our associates, collaborators, friends and benefactors, we pray for the late Pope Francis, the Church and all humanity, which is losing a courageous witness to the welcome, dialogue and
hope that come from the Risen Lord. Echoing the words of Saint Augustine, we say to the Lord: “We do not ask you why you have taken him from us, but rather we thank you for you have given him to us.

Fr Antonio Porcellato