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Today, Catholics around the world join in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who passed away peacefully at the age of 88. The Holy Father, known for his humility, warmth, and deep compassion, led the Catholic Church for more than a decade, offering a steadfast witness to the sanctity of all human life and a radical call to mercy and love. As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy, Pope Francis broke new ground from the moment he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013. His papacy was marked not by pomp or privilege, but by a consistent devotion to the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized. In his 2017 TED Talk, watched by millions around the globe, Pope Francis called for a “revolution of tenderness.” “What is tenderness?” he asked. “Tenderness means to use our eyes to see the other, our ears to hear the other... to take care of those in need.” These words captured the heart of his pastoral mission—one rooted in encounter, listening, and love. One of the most iconic moments of his papacy came on March 27, 2020, when, amid the fear and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, he stood alone in a rain-soaked St. Peter’s Square to offer the Urbi et Orbi blessing. With the Blessed Sacrament held high, he reminded the world that “Jesus is in the boat” with us, even in the storm. His powerful message of hope and solidarity will (hopefully) never be forgotten. Over the course of his pontificate, Pope Francis authored four encyclicals and seven apostolic exhortations, including Laudato Si’, his groundbreaking letter on care for our common home, and Evangelii Gaudium, a joyful invitation to renew the Church’s mission of evangelization. His writings continue to inspire Catholics to live out the Gospel with courage, compassion, and joy. Though we mourn his passing, Pope Francis’s legacy lives on—in his words, his witness, and the countless lives he touched. Let these words from Pope Francis continue to guide and challenge us:"Whatever you do, don’t be the sorry sight of an abandoned vehicle! Don’t be parked cars, but dream freely and make good decisions. Take risks, even if it means making mistakes. Don’t go through life anaesthetized or approach the world like tourists. Make a ruckus! Cast out the fears that paralyze you, so that you don’t become young mummies. Live! Give yourselves over to the best of life!” (Christus Vivit, 143) "A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just." - Angelus, March 17, 2013 Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

We are thrilled to announce that fifteen titles and fourteen authors from Ave Maria Press have been named finalists in the 2025 Excellence in Publishing Awards presented by the Association of Catholic Publishers (ACP). These prestigious awards honor the very best in Catholic publishing and highlight works that contribute meaningfully to the Church and the world. This year’s finalists span a wide range of topics—from discipleship and spiritual growth to pastoral care and theology—reflecting Ave Maria Press’s commitment to providing high-quality Catholic resources for individuals and ministries alike. Ave Maria Press finalists by category include: General Interest A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss by Abigail Jorgensen A Journey through the Catechism by Fr. Daniel J. Mahan Befriending Your Inner Child by Brya Hanan Intensive Caring by Natalie King, MD Talking with Your Teen about Sex by Julia Sadusky Inspirational A Midwinter God by Christine Valters Paintner A Saint Squad for Teachers by Amy J. Cattapan Reaching for Heaven by Michael Amodei We Are Only Saved Together by Colin Miller Prayer: General Jesus, Make Me Fully Alive by Fr. Tim Anastos Prayer: Seasonal Resources Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym Resources for Liturgy A Journey through the Catechism by Fr. Daniel J. Mahan Resources for Ministry Redeeming Power by Ann M. Garrido Spirituality Welcoming the Holy Spirit with Padre Pio by Susan De Bartoli Theology Behold, Believe, Become by Timothy P. O’Malley Each entry was evaluated by a panel of three judges, who selected 6–9 finalists in each category to advance to the final round. Winners—first, second, and third place—will be announced this June. Therese Brown, ACP Executive Director, noted key trends among the finalists this year: a strong emphasis on discipleship, including a focus on women, saints, and Mary; a thoughtful approach to complex pastoral issues from miscarriage to end-of-life care; and a notable number of prolific authors, including one with five books among the finalists. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our authors and thank the ACP for recognizing their important contributions to Catholic publishing. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners in June!