Sophia Magazine vol.20

4/32

On May 3, 2025, a memorial Mass for Pope Francis was held at St. Ignatius Church next to Sophia University’s Yotsuya Campus. It was a time to pray for the late Pope’s eternal rest and to deeply reflect on the spirit he embodied throughout his life.The bond between Sophia and Pope Francis began in 2013, the year Pope Francis was elected to the papacy. This was also the year of Sophia University’s centennial. To commemorate Sophia’s milestone, a tour of Italy tracing Sophia’s catholic roots was orga-nized. By chance, the tour overlapped with a papal conclave. Au-gustine, head of the Catholic Center at the time, led the tour. He recalls the experience:“On the first day of the conclave, we were traveling from Assisi to Rome and headed straight for the Vatican to see the smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney announcing the appointment, but it was black smoke on the day. On the second day, unfortu-SOPHIA MAGAZINE Vol. 20Approach4On April 21, 2025, the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pontiff to share a deep bond with Sophia University. Sophia School Corporation Chancellor Rev. Sali Augustine, S.J., reflects on the message Pope Francis entrusted to Sophia.A Memorable Papal Conclave in the Year ofSophia’s Centennial Anniversary A JESUIT UNIVERSITY FORTH POPE FRANCIS’