Thank You, Pope Francis!

In September of 2015, Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, made a momentous visit to Washington, DC. During his six-day visit, he addressed a joint session of Congress and held a Mass on the National Mall for an audience of more than 23,000. His presence and message inspired the mission of the newly launched Crimsonbridge Foundation. He blessed and encouraged our work, saying simply, but powerfully, “Adelante!" — "Go forward!" 

“We are so grateful for Pope Francis’ leadership, example, love, and spirit of joy.” Shared Crimsonbridge Foundation’s founder and executive chair, Gabriela Smith. “Pope Francis’ outreach to the entire human family is a living sign of God’s tenderness and mercy. He showed us that the Church is a home for all. His voice has been prophetic and clear, calling us to unity, compassion, and peace.”

The Pope was also clear about the need to care for our planet. Through his encyclical on the environment, Laudato si', Pope Francis led the world in the Care of Our Common Home. He called on us to regain the conviction that we need one another, that we have a shared responsibility for others and the world, and that our Earth is a precious gift entrusted to us, and to be protected for generations to come. This guidance has influenced and is incorporated in the Crimsonbridge Foundation’s work in Environmental Sustainability.

Recently, as a member of the FADICA Catholic Philanthropy Network, Gabriela Smith had the honor of meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2024. In his address to the group, he offered these words:

“I ask that this synodal spirit of solidarity and generous concern for others will always be nurtured by a sense of gratitude for the abundant gifts the Lord has bestowed upon us and an ever-deeper experience of the transforming power of his love. Love always transforms, changes things.”

With gratitude for all that you shared with the world, we thank you, Pope Francis. May your loving and joyful spirit guide our path forward.

Source: Vatican Media - 2024