Upon the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, I am saddened by our loss of such a kind and holy man while at the same time grateful for his leadership to the church in his 12-plus years as pope.
 
I was honored to meet Pope Francis in January 2020 for my second ad limina visit to the Vatican. My brother bishops and I found him to be very warm and welcoming and an attentive listener. He was very encouraging to us in our shared challenges as bishops.
 
I ask the faithful to join me in offering our prayers to God the Father for the repose of the soul of his servant, Francis. We trust in the Lord who promises the resurrection of the body for his faithful.
 
Having just celebrated the Resurrection of the Lord, we pray that His Holiness may soon enjoy the fullness of peace and joy.

- Most Rev. Walker Nickless, Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Sioux City