Thank you, Pope Francis!

In these hours the Church feels orphaned of its pastor, its guide, because the Church is family, community, affections.

The Universal Association of Saint Anthony also joins in the grief but at the same time wants to express gratitude and thankfulness.

Gratitude for the many gestures and words of Pope Francis that have spurred and encouraged us to be consistent Christians.

Pope Francis proclaimed the Gospel by word, accompanied by the strength of his gestures. Let us not forget his closeness to refugees and migrants, his encouragement to the sick, his visits to prisons, his solidarity with the homeless... all of which the Association shares with its charitable work.

Thank you, Pope Francis, for what you have been for the Church and the world, a beacon of humanity and fraternity!