He who leaves so much love behind is not completely gone. Today, April 26, in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Mass of suffrage for the soul of Francis will be celebrated. After the celebration, his remains will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. It will be a moment of profound recollection, but also of serene gratitude, of tears that not only hurt, but also give thanks.

Francis—the friend, the brother, the pastor, the consecrated person, the luminous soul who touched so many hearts—leaves an immense place on earth and an indelible mark in the heavens of each of us. In him, many saw a faithful witness to the Gospel, someone who loved without measure, who gave his time, his laughter and his silence, his prayer and his listening, his entire life.

Those who knew him closely know well that his faith was not thunderous, but firm; his goodness, silent but constant; his gaze, always capable of comfort. For many, Francis was a presence of God amidst the noise, a compass in times of confusion. And now, with his soul at peace, he leaves us this legacy: to live simply, to love deeply, and to walk with hope.

His body will rest in Saint Mary Major, in that house of the Mother where he came so often in life. How fitting that there, under Mary’s protection, lies the one who so often entrusted to her his ministry, his mission, his worries, his dreams.

We don’t say goodbye, Francis. We say thank you. Thank you for having been a transparency of Christ, for having helped us look to heaven without ceasing to walk on earth. Thank you for having allowed yourself to be shaped by Grace. Thank you for continuing to accompany us, now from on high.

Today we join in prayer. We will pray for you, even though we know that you are already interceding for us. May perpetual light shine upon you. May the Lord grant you eternal rest. And may we never forget all we learned with you.