FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS

Watch “HOLY ROSARY FOLLOWED BY EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION, PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL GIOVANNI BATTISTA IN HONOR OF THE FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS | LIVE FROM ROME – BASILICA OF ST. MARY MAJOR | APRIL 21, 2026 |

From the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the Holy Rosary on the occasion of the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis. Followed by the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

Novena in Memory of Pope Francis | USCCB https://share.google/DEelWJAxEoGLRHTi7

✝️PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS ✝️

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His faithful servants” ~ Psalm 116:15

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence as we remember Your faithful servant, Pope Francis, on this first anniversary of his passing into eternal life.

Lord, we thank You for the gift of his life, for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel of Christ. Through his leadership, he taught us to love without limits, to serve the poor and marginalized, and to walk in mercy, justice, and peace.

Grant him, O Lord, eternal rest, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. Welcome him into the fullness of Your heavenly kingdom, where there is no pain, no sorrow, but everlasting joy.

May his legacy continue to inspire Your Church to be a beacon of hope in the world, to care for the least among us, and to proclaim Your truth with courage and love.

As it is written: “Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Revelation 14:13

Comfort all who mourn his passing, O Lord, and strengthen us to carry forward the mission he so faithfully embraced. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, we mourn the passing of our beloved Pope Francis, who departed this life on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. His death occurred at 7:35 AM CEST at his residence in the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae, as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber.

A Shepherd of Humility and Reform

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, ascending to the papacy on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI . His tenure was marked by a commitment to humility, inclusivity, and social justice. He chose to reside in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace, reflecting his dedication to simplicity.

Pope Francis was a vocal advocate for the marginalized, addressing issues such as migration, climate change, economic inequality. He also called for the abolition of the death penalty and condemned the treatment of Indigenous students in Canadian residential schools, labeling it as genocide. Despite facing criticism over his handling of clerical sex abuse scandals, he implemented significant reforms to address episcopal accountability.

Global Mourning and Tributes

The news of Pope Francis’s passing elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world. World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, honored his legacy of compassion and spiritual bravery. In Italy, Serie A football matches were postponed in his honor, with clubs like AS Roma and Lazio paying heartfelt tributes to his impact on the sports community.​

A Legacy Rooted in Faith

Pope Francis’s papacy was characterized by a deep work ethic, a focus on compassion, and efforts to modernize the Catholic Church. He maintained traditional stances on certain issues while empowering women in church decision-making and advocating for the poor and oppressed. His leadership bridged faith and social justice, navigating internal church tensions with grace and humility.​

A Reflection on Psalm 116:15

The verse, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints,” underscores the value God places on the lives and deaths of His faithful servants. The term “precious” conveys high worth and significance, indicating that God is not indifferent to the passing of His saints. Pope Francis’s life and death exemplify this truth, as his unwavering commitment to God’s work continues to inspire the faithful worldwide.​

“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” ~ Rev 14:13

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our Holy Father, Pope Francis, Your faithful servant. In this life, you embraced him with your tender love; deliver him now from every evil, and bid him eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome him into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽

Final Prayer

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.​

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Watch “SEVENTH NOVENDIAL MASS MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL CLAUDIO GUGEROTTI | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | MAY 2, 2025 |

SIXTH NOVENDIAL MASS MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL VICTOR MANUEL FERNANDEZ | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | MAY 1, 2025 |

MEMORIAL OF SAINT PIUS V, POPE; SAINT MARIE OF THE INCARNATION AND SAINT JOSEPH BENEDICT COTTOLENGO, FOUNDER | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | APRIL 30, 2025 |

FOURTH NOVENDIAL MASS MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL MAURO GAMBETTI | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | APRIL 29, 2025 |

Live from St. Peter’s Basilica: Fourth Novendial Mass for the Holy Father Pope Francis. The Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican.

Let us pray together for the eternal rest of our beloved Pope Francis.

PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS AND SUCCESS OF THE CONCLAVE

With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor:

Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn. Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.

Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come – You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ. You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽

Learn more about the Novendiales (Nine days of mourning) in the Papal Interregnum article below:

PAPAL INTERREGNUM (VACANCY OF THE APOSTOLIC SEE) | EWTN | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/papal-interregnum/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

THIRD NOVENDIAL MASS MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL BALDASSARE REINA | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | APRIL 28, 2025 |

Live from St. Peter’s Basilica: Third Novendial Mass for the Holy Father Pope Francis. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome.

PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS AND SUCCESS OF THE CONCLAVE

With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor:

Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn. Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.

Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come – You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ. You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽

Watch “NOVENDIALES MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS AND CLOSING CELEBRATION OF THE JUBILEE FOR TEENAGERS | CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | APRIL 27, 2025 |

Live from St. Peter’s Square: The Church gathers for the second day of the Novendiales in memory of Pope Francis, alongside the closing celebration of the Jubilee for Teenagers. The Holy Mass is presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, former Secretary of State.

As our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis is finally laid to rest, let us together continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

Merciful and loving God, we entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, whom You have called from this life to Yourself. We thank You for his faithful and courageous witness to the Gospel, his compassion for the poor and the marginalized, and his tireless devotion to building bridges of peace and unity in Your Church. Receive him into the joy of Your eternal embrace. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.

O God, faithful rewarder of souls, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy forever in your presence in heaven the mysteries of your grace and compassion, which he faithfully ministered on earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 🙏🏽

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽

Learn more about the Novendiales (Nine days of mourning) in the Papal Interregnum article below:

PAPAL INTERREGNUM (VACANCY OF THE APOSTOLIC SEE) | EWTN | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/papal-interregnum/

Novemdiales (Nine Days of Mourning) Masses Schedule for Pope Francis (26 April 2025 – 4 May 2025)

First Day (Saturday, 26 April 2025 at 10 am)
Papal Funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Square
Celebrant: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals

Second Day (Sunday, 27 April 2025 at 10.30 am)
Novemdiales Mass at St. Peter’s Square (for employees and faithful of Vatican City)
Celebrant: Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State

Third Day (Monday, 28 April 2025 at 5 pm)
Novemdiales Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (for the Church and Diocese of Rome)
Celebrant: Cardinal Baldassare Reina, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome

Fourth Day (Tuesday, 29 April 2025 at 5 pm)
Novemdiales Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (for the Chapters of the Papal Basilicas)
Celebrant: Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican

Fifth Day (Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at 5 pm)
Novemdiales Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (for the members of the Papal Chapel)
Celebrant: Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals

Sixth Day (Thursday, 1 May 2025 at 5 pm)
Novemdiales Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (for the Roman Curia)
Celebrant: Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith

Seventh Day (Friday, 2 May 2025 at 5 pm)
Novemdiales Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (for the Eastern Churches)
Celebrant: Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches

Eighth Day (Saturday, 3 May 2025 at 5 pm)
Novemdiales Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (for the members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life)
Celebrant: Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, Pro-Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

Ninth Day (Sunday, 4 May 2025 at 5 pm)
Novemdiales Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica (for the members of the Papal Chapel)
Celebrant: Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, Protodeacon of the College of Cardinals

FUNERAL MASS OF POPE FRANCIS

Watch “FUNERAL MASS OF POPE FRANCIS | PRESIDED OVER BY CARDINAL GIOVANNI BATTISTA RE | LIVE FROM THE VATICAN | APRIL 26, 2025|

Let us join us in prayer for the Funeral Mass of Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica. The liturgical celebration will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals.

At the conclusion of the Mass, the coffin of the Holy Father will be taken in procession to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where the burial will take place.

Let us pray together for the eternal rest of our beloved Pope Francis.

PRAYER FOR THE SOUL OF POPE FRANCIS

With the passing of Pope Francis, let us continue to pray for the eternal repose of his soul and for the College of Cardinals as they embark on their sacred duty to elect Pope Francis’ successor:

Heavenly Father, You entrusted the care of Your Church on earth to Pope Francis, and now You have called him to Yourself. We entrust his soul to Your boundless mercy. For his lifelong service, we thank You. For his care for the poor and marginalized, we thank You. For his witness to simplicity, we thank You. In Your mercy, cleanse him of all sin. Purify him and draw him into the light of Your presence. Grant him the vision of Your Eternal Essence, into which we all long to be drawn. Protect Your Church in this time of transition. Guide the Cardinals in their sacred duty. Grant them Wisdom and Courage, Hope and Charity, and the Faith they need to discern Your Holy Will.

Father Most Holy, our God and King, Creator of all that was, is, and is to come— You alone know the heart of the one You have chosen as the successor to Pope Francis. Reveal Your will to the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts to Your inspirations. Open our hearts to receive, with faith and obedience, the one whom You will raise up to sit on the Chair of Saint Peter. May he be a man of deepest compassion, a man of profound faith and hope, a man whose charity shines forth, permeating the darkness of this world with the light of Christ. You are God Most High, the God of the living and the dead, the Great I AM, the Alpha and the Omega, Eternal Being and Source of all that is. May Your holy will be done, now and forever. Amen. Alleluia.

Merciful and loving God, We entrust to You our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. May he rest in the light of Your presence, where suffering and sorrow are no more, and every tear is wiped away. Comfort all who mourn his passing and raise up shepherds who will continue to guide Your Church in humility and love.

Eternal rest grant unto Pope Francis, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his gentle soul and souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen 🙏🏽

Daily Reflections with Philomena | Prayer for the Soul of Pope Francis | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/precious-in-the-sight-of-the-lord-is-the-death-of-his-saints-psalm-11615/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/