The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program Remembers Pope Francis
On April 21, 2025, the revered Pope Francis passed away in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. Thus commenced a period of mourning that stretched across the globe. Tears were shed in every country, from Vatican City to Argentina to the United States.
This deeply felt global grief is a testament to the profound impact of the late religious leader, whose legacy of humility, wisdom, and commitment to interfaith peace and friendship shaped our world for the better during his papacy.
The Saint John’s Bible is so fortunate to have been touched by Pope Francis’ humble spirit, and to be just one of the many ways that history will remember his honorable life and work.
His Holiness’ first encounter with The Saint John’s Bible occurred on April 17, 2015. On this day, Artistic Director of The Saint John’s Bible, Donald Jackson, presented Letters and Revelation, the final volume of the Heritage Edition, to Pope Francis at the Vatican.
The Pope listened intently as the project was described and responded by raising both of his hands when Jackson showed him the final illumination that depicts the Vision of the New Jerusalem.
In September of that same year, Pope Francis made a historic trip to the United States. During his visit, he addressed Congress, urging members to consider their social responsibility.
Also during this trip, the GHR Foundation dedicated an Apostles Edition (an exceedingly rare edition of The Saint John’s Bible) to Pope Francis in a gesture of honor and gratitude. This Apostles Edition now lives at the Library of Congress.
“The Saint John’s Bible is a rare work of art and a commemoration of divine inspiration in honor of Pope Francis,” said Carla Hayden, former Librarian of Congress, in a press release by the Library. “The Library of Congress is honored to have it as part of our special collection after His Holiness blessed it during his visit to Washington, D.C., in 2015. The Bible is now available to researchers for study as part of the Library’s extensive collection of Bibles and religious texts from all the world’s religions.”
In celebration and remembrance of Pope Francis, the Library of Congress publicly displayed the Apostles Edition that he blessed in the two weeks following his death.
“The Saint John’s Bible is a modern marvel. Centuries-old craft practices merge with contemporary artistic vision to focus our attention on the infinite. I can think of no better way to commemorate the passing of Pope Francis than putting the Apostles Edition on exhibition for the public’s reflection and appreciation. It is a truly special volume,” said Stephanie Stillo, chief of the Rare Book and Special Collections division at the Library.
May Pope Francis rest in peace, and may his legacy bring goodness to the world for millennia to come.
The Saint John’s Bible and Papal Legacy
The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program is honored to have presented editions of The Saint John’s Bible to two other Popes in addition to Pope Francis: Pope John Paul II in 2004 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.
The Saint John’s Bible: In Remembrance
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