Father Matthew Furgiuele reflects on Pope Francis after his passing.

Pope Francis published important texts outlining ways to support care for the family, the environment and young people as well as documents on being compassionate, joyful, holy and missionary disciples in today's world, especially by contemplating Jesus' Sacred Heart.

Justin McLellan, Catholic News Service

Tapping into the spirit and spirituality of his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis made care for creation and for all that lives on the earth a pastoral priority.

Centuries of experience dealing with the death, or occasional resignation, of a pope has left the Catholic Church with thorough instructions detailing who has responsibility for planning the funeral, preparing for the election of a new pope and taking care of essential business in the meantime.

Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of at age 88, gave new energy to millions of Catholics -- and caused concern for some -- as he transformed the image of the papacy into a pastoral ministry based on personal encounters and strong convictions about poverty, mission and dialogue.