Bethlehem University joins the global Church and all people of good will in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025. He was 88.
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis called all people to live with mercy, humility, and solidarity. He held a special place in his heart for the people of Palestine and the students of Bethlehem University. In a 2024 Advent message to our campus, he encouraged our students to foster friendship and never to walk alone. Earlier this year, our students wrote to him in gratitude and prayer during his illness. In his final public message on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis once again raised his voice for the people of our land, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and expressing his “closeness to the sufferings” of all in the Holy Land. His courage and compassion remain a prophetic light for us all.
Bethlehem University will be closed on Tuesday, 22 April as a day of mourning.
On Wednesday, 23 April at 10:00 am, Vice Chancellor Brother Hernán Santos González, FSC, PhD, and other University representatives will participate, at the invitation of the Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, in the Pontifical Mass of Requiem at the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. Following the Mass, condolences will be received at the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem.
On Friday, 25 April, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated for students, faculty, and staff in the Chapel of the Divine Child on campus.May he rest in the eternal peace of the Risen Christ.