Dear Faithful,
With profound sorrow, our Diocese shares the news of the funeral arrangements for His Holiness Pope Francis, who entered eternal life this past Monday, April 21. His passing marks the conclusion of a transformative papacy characterized by mercy, outreach, and hope.
Rite of Translation
The Rite of Translation took place this morning, Wednesday, April 23, at 9:00am Central European Summer Time (CEST), which was 2:00am Central Daylight Time (CDT). The procession began at the Chapel of Saint Martha and proceeded to Saint Peter’s Square. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, presided over this Solemn Rite.
Lying in State
Following the Rite of Translation, His Holiness will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from today, Wednesday, April 23, through this Friday, April 25. This provides the faithful an opportunity for personal prayer and veneration. In accordance with the wishes of Pope Francis for simplicity, his body will be placed in a single wooden coffin, facing the pews, rather than on an elevated bier. This arrangement reflects his desire to be “like every child of the Church.”
Funeral Mass
The Funeral Mass for Pope Francis is scheduled for this Saturday, April 26, at 10:00am CEST (3:00am CDT) in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The Solemn Liturgy will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals, Bishops, Clergy, Religious, and Lay faithful from around the world will gather to offer a final commendation and farewell to the Successor of Peter, who served the Church with devotion, wisdom, and love.
Burial
In a departure from tradition, Pope Francis requested to be buried at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a reflection of his deep devotion to the icon of Mary housed there. This choice underscores his lifelong commitment to humility and service.
Livestream
The Funeral Mass will be broadcast live by Vatican News Media to various Television and Radio Stations, allowing the global Catholic community to unite in prayer and mourning. Our Diocese will share the livestream link as soon as it becomes available.
Participation
Our Diocese encourages all parishioners to participate spiritually by:
— Attending a Mass in memory of Pope Francis, as available.
— Joining in prayerful remembrance during this solemn time.
— Watching the livestreamed Funeral Mass of Pope Francis.
Easter Octave
Our Diocese aligns with the Universal Catholic Church in mourning the loss of our Holy Father while holding fast to the hope and promise of the Resurrection during this Easter Octave.
Prayers
Let us continue to pray…Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
