Marian University President Aaron Sadoff invites public to a prayer service to honor Pope Francis

It is with a deep sense of sadness, awe, and reflection I write to you, as we join the world in honoring the life and legacy of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

Pope Francis was an amazing, revolutionary person for the Catholic Church, and the whole world. His commitment to humility, compassion, and justice helped us all understand what it means to lead with love. He called on each of us to care for the marginalized, protect the environment, and engage in meaningful dialogue rooted in dignity and respect.

At Marian University, we are blessed by our Mission and Core Values granted to us from the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. Pope Francis exemplified these:

He built Community, drawing people from all walks of life into a shared vision of peace, inclusion, and mutual understanding.

He modeled Service, choosing simplicity, dedicating himself to the needs of the poor, the forgotten, and the vulnerable.

He encouraged lifelong Learning, challenging the world to think critically, act boldly, and grow spiritually in the pursuit of truth.

He spoke fearlessly on behalf of the oppressed, championing Social Justice as a sacred duty.

And he nourished our Spiritual Traditions, through his deep faith and theological insight, as well as how he lived with mercy, humility, and joy.

Please join me, Tuesday, April 22, at 3:00 PM in Dorcas Chapel here on the Marian University campus for a special Prayer Service Honoring the Legacy of Pope Francis. As we remember Pope Francis, let us recommit ourselves to his example—a life marked by kindness, humility, and hope. Let us continue to be bridge-builders in our communities and truth-seekers in our scholarship.

Finally, let us honor His Holiness by walking with courage, creating a more just, more inclusive, and loving world. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we carry forward his spirit in all that we do in
our communities and at Marian University.