Statement on the Death of
His Holiness Pope Francis

April 21, 2025
From The Catholic Coalition for Special Education

It was nearly 10 years ago when His Holiness Pope Francis visited Washington D.C. and opened his heart to children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Children from the Washington area greeted him with cheers and applause at various stops during his visit in the fall of 2015. “We feel a deep loss with the passing of Pope Francis who was a true champion of the students we serve,” said Anna McDermott-Vitak, Board President of the Catholic Coalition for Special Education (CCSE)—a Maryland-based organization that helps Catholic schools accommodate students with disabilities. During his ministry Pope Francis consistently advocated for the inclusion, dignity and well-being of children with disabilities, emphasizing their important role in society and urging the Church to care for them, McDermott-Vitak said.

Theresa Brogan, CCSE’s self-advocate Ambassador, who has Down syndrome, shared her feeling when she met Pope Francis during that historic visit. “I will always remember the joy in Pope Francis’ face when I met him. We all could see and feel the love he had for us. Christ’s love really shined through him.”

Francesca Pellegrino, CCSE’s Executive Director and Founder, noted that Pope Francis opened the doors of the Church with a welcoming message to people on the margins of society, often neglected or overlooked. Pope Francis recognized that each of us has gifts and that we should focus on the “abilities” of each person she said. Pellegrino added that Pope Francis guided the “Church to fully include all God’s children. His leadership and kind manner were a hallmark of his Papacy.”

Pellegrino said that CCSE is offering prayers for the Holy Father that he may be granted eternal rest. She said “We also know that the Holy Spirit will bring wisdom and guidance to the College of Cardinals when they begin their deliberations to select Francis’ successor.”