Assumption University Honors the Life, Legacy, and Historic Visit of the People’s Pope
With deep sorrow and immense gratitude, Assumption University of Thailand (AU) joins the Catholic faithful and the global community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who returned to the House of the Father on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
Pope Francis — born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrants — was a pope of many firsts:
- The first Jesuit pope
- The first Latin American pope
- The first to take the name Francis, honoring St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of humility, peace, and the poor
- And the first pope to visit Thailand in over three decades, during his historic Apostolic Visit in November 2019.
Pope Francis captured the hearts of millions with his bold compassion and fearless advocacy. Whether championing migrants, embracing the LGBTQ+ community, holding clergy accountable for abuse, or calling world leaders to urgent climate action, he never stopped reminding us of our shared responsibility as stewards of creation and as brothers and sisters in one human family.
He was also a lifelong advocate for education as a path to human dignity, inclusion, and social transformation. Pope Francis believed that education was essential in building a more just and compassionate world—values deeply cherished by Assumption University. Through initiatives like the Global Compact on Education, he called on institutions, educators, and students to work together in forging a culture of encounter and solidarity. His vision resonates with AU’s mission to empower minds and uplift lives through learning, faith, and service.
Even as he faced fierce resistance within the Church, Pope Francis remained resolute — simplifying papal life, rejecting the grandeur of the Apostolic Palace for a modest guesthouse, and celebrating his birthday with Rome’s homeless.
His voice echoed from the balconies of St. Peter’s and into the hearts of people across every continent — a voice of peace, justice, and radical mercy.
Assumption University extends its heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church. We give thanks for a pontificate that redefined leadership through love and compassion—and for a Holy Father who reminded us that education is not only about knowledge, but about nurturing the human spirit.
Rest in peace, Pope Francis. The world is gentler, wiser, and more hopeful for having known you.
Related Links:
Vatican News:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html
https://www.facebook.com/vaticannews
Bangkok Archdiocese:
http://www.catholic.or.th/main/
https://www.facebook.com/Mediabkk
Pope Visit Thailand (Youtube):
https://www.youtube.com/@PopeVisitThailand/videos
More Information about Assumption University of Thailand (AU), please visit:
Website: https://www.au.edu/
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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBArL_dL5XiXCiS5pDtyLpQ
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