April 26, 2025

Contact: media@haitianbridge.org

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Haitian Bridge Alliance joins millions around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a global symbol of humility, compassion, and advocacy for the most marginalized among us.

In February, our Executive Director, Guerline Jozef, along with other world leaders had the profound honor of visiting the Vatican to have an audience with Pope Francis, where she reaffirmed our call for the Catholic Church to continue standing boldly for justice, compassion, dignity, and the sanctity of all human beings—particularly for those who have been forced to flee their homelands due to violence, persecution, poverty, and environmental disaster.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis championed the cause of migrants, refugees, and displaced persons, reminding the world that “every stranger who knocks at our door is an opportunity for an encounter with Jesus Christ.” His unwavering commitment to the inherent worth of every individual deeply resonates with the mission of Haitian Bridge Alliance to advocate for those rendered invisible by society.

As we grieve this loss, we also renew our call to the Church and the international community to carry forward the Pope’s legacy by uplifting the voices of the vulnerable, protecting the dignity of migrants, and ensuring that no human being is treated as disposable as Christ has called us all to do.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Catholic community and to all who were touched by Pope Francis’ life of service and love.