Novena for Pope Francis:
April 26 – May 4, 2025
The College of Cardinals has initiated a period of nine days of mourning, beginning on 26 April 2025 and ending on 4 May 2025. During this time the following novena may be prayed.
May the Holy Father Pope Francis rest in peace, and may the Lord grant him the reward promised to faithful servants of the Kingdom.
Download the Novena:
Neuvaine mémoire pape François FR
“Today, we mourn the loss of our beloved Pope Francis, a shepherd who dedicated his life to spreading the message of love, compassion, hope, and unity across the globe. His tireless efforts to advocate for the marginalized and his commitment to interfaith dialogue and synodality have left an indelible mark on the world.
Pope Francis was not only a spiritual leader but also a voice for peace and justice. His humility and warm-heartedness inspired millions, and his teachings will continue to resonate in our hearts and communities.
We cannot forget Pope Francis’s visit to Canada in July 2022, which was described as a “pilgrimage of penance” aimed at apologizing for the harm caused by Catholic-run residential schools that sought to assimilate Indigenous children. These schools, operated by the Catholic Church, were part of a broader policy to erase Indigenous cultures and languages. The Pope’s visit included stops in Alberta and Quebec City, where he met with Indigenous leaders and survivors of residential schools.
As we remember his legacy, let us come together in prayer, reflecting on his profound impact on our faith and the world. May we honour his memory by continuing to live out the values he championed—mercy, social justice, and a deep love for our neighbours. In this time of mourning, we also turn our gaze to the future, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide the Church in the days to come. We ask for God’s comfort for all who are grieving during this difficult time, remembering that we are all Pilgrims of Hope journeying together in faith.” – Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick
Download Prayer Card:
Prayer Card – Pope Francis (2025-04-21)
Carte de prière – Pape François (2025-04-21)
Pope Francis died April 21, Easter Monday morning. He was 88.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.” – Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber
Read the article from Vatican News here
In his Testament dated June 2022, Pope Francis listed his wishes for burial
“I have always entrusted my life and priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest, awaiting the day of resurrection, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
I wish that my final earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian shrine, where I go to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey to faithfully entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and to give thanks for her gentle and maternal care.
I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica, as indicated in the enclosed plan. The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.”
“When the Cardinals elected him to the See of Peter in March 2013, Pope Francis invited us on that first night to “always pray for one another, for the whole world, that there may be a great spirit of fraternity.” Over the past 88 years of his Petrine Ministry, his pastoral witness and leadership of the Catholic Church as the 266th Successor of Saint Peter marked the Church, the world and our Canadian society with the values of the Gospel. Francis’ frequent consoling image of the Church as “a field hospital” brought us a message of hope, peace, compassion and mercy. He desired the Church to be close to the people, to be present in ways that reflected the mercy, forgiveness and care of Christ. He challenged us to become missionary disciples of faith, hope and love and announce the joy of the Gospel to the world.” – Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary, and President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Read the message here:
A liturgical note:
Given the death of our beloved Pope Francis, his name and the phrase referring to the pope are omitted from the Eucharistic Prayer during the sede vacante. At this time, only the name of the local bishop is mentioned in the Eucharistic Prayer.
