Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday for Not available

Dear community,

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:

“Dearest brothers and sisters,

With deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

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.”[1]

Let us unite our minds and hearts and pray for him to our Lord Jesus Christ!

USCCB has prepared a Novena in Memory of Pope Francis to help pray for the Pope during the time of mourning. The daily novena – lasting for the novendiales period as directed by the College of Cardinals – consists of a short reading from Scripture or some other ecclesiastical text and some brief prayers, including orations drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals.

First Day
“You are Peter…”

In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (16:13-19)

Pause for silent prayer. Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
— And let perpetual light shine upon him.

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 for ever in your presence in heaven
the mysteries of your grace and compassion,
which he faithfully ministered on earth.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.[2][3]

[1]www.vaticannews.va
[2]Novena in Memory of Pope Francis on USCCB website
[3] Liturgical Notes and Musical Resources for Use Upon the Death of Pope Francis